Greenhouse Gases Hit Record High Amid Fears of CO2 Saturation Point
Data suggest natural "carbon sinks" may be nearing exhaustion, say some scientists, although others disagree.
The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached a new record high in 2013, propelled by a surge in levels of carbon dioxide, the World Meteorological Organization reported Tuesday, raising the threat of increased global warming.
The scientists warn that the Earth's natural ability to store and mediate the gases through oceans, plants, and other means may be approaching a saturation point, which could exacerbate current warming. Not all scientists agree, however.
The World Meteorological Organization's annual report "shows that, far from falling, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere actually increased last year at the fastest rate for nearly 30 years," said Michel Jarraud, the group's secretary-general, in a statement.
"We must reverse this trend by cutting emissions
