Climate Change Is Accelerating Faster Than We Can Respond, Scientists Warn

Concentrations of greenhouse gases—including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide—all reached record levels in 2026, the researchers say. In May 2026, atmospheric carbon dioxide exceeded 428 parts per million, roughly 50% above pre-industrial levels and generally higher than any time in the last 2 million years.

The authors of today’s report also tracked indicators of the human activities driving these planetary changes, like energy use, food production, and economic growth. Fossil fuel consumption remains the dominant driver of these changes. Fossil fuel consumption rose by 0.9% in 2025, the report found, with oil, coal, and gas all reaching record highs, and annual energy-related carbon dioxide emissions surpassed 41 gigatons for the first time—the equivalent of emissions released by over 10,800 coal-fired power plants in one year.

There have, however, been some signs of progress, the report notes. Low-carbon sources provided roughly 43% of global electricity generation in 2025, and solar and wind energy consumption grew by approximately 18%. That was before the war in Iran laid bare the world’s reliance on fossil fuels, and triggered a global green energy boom.