WMO Reports Record CO2 Levels Coinciding with El Niño's Impact
What happened
The World Meteorological Organisation reported that global CO₂ concentration reached a record high of 426.8 parts per million in 2025, which is 153% of the pre-industrial level. Methane and nitrous oxide also hit new peaks. A 3.5 ppm surge in 2023-2024 coincided with a strong El Niño, which reduced biospheric efficiency through drought, drier vegetation, and wildfires. The WMO noted that CO₂ persists for decades to centuries.
From kenya-today.com
Why it matters
The reports indicate that rising CO₂ and extreme weather events are cementing long-term global warming. The WMO stated that each additional ppm traps more heat, accelerating extreme-weather events such as heatwaves and tropical cyclones. This trend reflects a tripling of CO₂ growth rates since the 1960s.
From kenya-today.com
Who's involved
- El NiñoClimate pattern that coincided with high CO₂ and reduced biospheric efficiency.
- ENSOBroader climate oscillation system that includes El Niño.
- NOAAMonitors and issues advisories regarding the El Niño climate pattern.
- La NiñaOpposing phase of the ENSO climate cycle that influences global weather patterns.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- KenyaSpeculative
Might face increased climate risk and costs due to accelerating extreme weather events.
- agricultureSpeculative
Could see harm to agricultural output due to climate change and El Niño causing drought and wildfires.
- IndiaSpeculative
May face threats to agricultural output and energy demand from increased heat and extreme weather events.
- PanamaSpeculative
Might face threats to water supply and canal operations due to drought exacerbated by warming.