2015 to 2021 will be the seven warmest years on record. Photo: © SviatlanaLaza / Shutterstock.com

State of the climate in 2021

The World Meteorological Organization’s new analysis reports that in 2020, greenhouse gas concentrations reached new highs. Levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) were 413.2 parts per million (ppm), methane (CH₄) at 1889 parts per billion (ppb) and nitrous oxide (N2O) at 333.2 ppb, respectively amounting to 149%, 262% and 123% of pre-industrial (1750) levels. The increase has continued in 2021. The global mean temperature for 2021 (based on data from January to September) was about 1.09°C above the 1850–1900 average and 2015 to 2021 will be the seven warmest years on record. Around 90% of the accumulated heat in the Earth’s system is stored in the ocean, which is measured through Ocean Heat Content. The upper 2000 m depth of the ocean continued to warm in 2019 reaching a new record high. A preliminary analysis based on seven global data sets suggests that 2020 exceeded that record. All data sets agree that ocean warming rates show a particularly strong increase in the past two decades and it is expected that the ocean will continue to warm in the future.

The ocean absorbs around 23% of the annual emissions of anthropogenic CO₂ to the atmosphere and so is becoming more acidic. Open ocean surface pH has declined globally over the last 40 years and is now the lowest it has been for at least 26,000 years. Current rates of pH change are unprecedented since at least that time. As the pH of the ocean decreases, its capacity to absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere also declines.

The report gives detailed analysis about other key developments during 2020/2021 concerning sea level, sea ice, glaciers and ice sheets, extreme weather, precipitation, socio-economic and environmental impacts.

State of Climate in 2021: Extreme Events and Major Impacts, 31 October 2021, https://unfccc.int/news/state-of-climate-in-2021-extreme-events-and-majo...

In this issue

Dependence on fossil gas cause soaring energy bills

As the world recovers from the pandemic, energy prices in the European Union have surged to record-high levels and the only way forward is renewables.

Editorial: Promising ruling against the Energy Charter Treaty

Europe’s top court has ruled that the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) cannot be used in lawsuits between EU countries.

NGOs demand a fully renewable energy system by 2040 in Europe

An initiative of Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe calls for a 100% renewable energy system by 2040 (heat, transport and industry) and 100% renewable electricity by 2035.

Energy sufficiency: a necessary complement to energy efficiency

Making the case for energy sufficiency in European policies: the construction of a European sufficiency-based energy transition scenario.

Taxing livestock to reduce nitrogen and GHG emissions

A recent report provides three concrete proposals on how livestock could be taxed to reduce ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions, while generating funds for reforms.

Closing the nitrogen cycle with agroecology

Study shows that it is possible to halve nitrogen losses in Europe by abolishing synthetic fertilisers, reconnecting livestock and cropping systems and changing diets.

Revising LULUCF regulation could be a chance for both climate and biodiversity

The European Union carbon sink must more than double by 2030. The cheapest way to do this is by protecting and restoring forests, peatlands, and other natural ecosystems.

A global roadmap to “climate-smart” offshore renewable energy

The Global Wind Energy Council and UN Global Compact launched a roadmap to advance offshore renewable energy on 5 November – “Ocean Day” – at COP 26.

WHO guidelines are based on science – policy should follow

Detailed models and data from more parts of the world are behind the lower acceptable levels for particles, ozone and nitrogen dioxide in the new WHO air quality guidelines.

Time to ban climate-threating advertising

European NGOs push to prohibit advertising for fossil fuels, fossil-fuelled cars and air travel. Several European cities have taken the lead by introducing local bans.

Solutions to reach 1.5°C still available

Study on 1.5 pathways concludes that EU can reduce greenhouse gases by at least 65% by 2030. This means a transition to 100% renewable electricity while reducing energy use.

A different COP – Communities of Practice – encourages offshore cooperation

The development of offshore wind farms has gained momentum in the EU but to accelerate deployment the challenge of conflicting interests within marine areas needs to be addressed. A new study examines the potential of so-called Communities of Practice (COPs).

Methane pledge must be followed by a fossil fuel phase-out target

The EU needs to improve its methane pledge. Emissions must be reduced by at least 70% by 2030 compared to 1990, in order to provide a fair contribution to the 1.5°C target.

Air pollution in Africa

Air pollution in Africa differs from that in developed countries. The main contributors to particle emissions are old vehicles, burning of waste and use of biomass for cooking.

EU institutions ignore latest evidence when evaluating health effects

More recent data of PM_2.5 show greater effects on mortality. Although some of this research is more than seven years old, it has not been incoporated in currently used models.

Ocean acidification: the “Black elephant” in the Black Sea?

The acidification problem is, indeed, a “black elephant” – an obvious, predictable event with enormous consequences, but highly overlooked by many stakeholders, which is also relevant for the Black Sea region.

Main menu

State of the climate in 2021

In this issue

Dependence on fossil gas cause soaring energy bills

Editorial: Promising ruling against the Energy Charter Treaty

NGOs demand a fully renewable energy system by 2040 in Europe

Energy sufficiency: a necessary complement to energy efficiency

Taxing livestock to reduce nitrogen and GHG emissions

Closing the nitrogen cycle with agroecology

Revising LULUCF regulation could be a chance for both climate and biodiversity

A global roadmap to “climate-smart” offshore renewable energy

WHO guidelines are based on science – policy should follow

Time to ban climate-threating advertising

Solutions to reach 1.5°C still available

A different COP – Communities of Practice – encourages offshore cooperation

Methane pledge must be followed by a fossil fuel phase-out target

Air pollution in Africa

EU institutions ignore latest evidence when evaluating health effects

Ocean acidification: the “Black elephant” in the Black Sea?

In Breif

The science of temperature overshoots

Express your view on EU Air Quality

Vulnerable countries: high emitters must act

Climate Change threatens the capacity of oceans to store CO2

Publications

SINK OR SOURCE? Northern Forests at a crossroads

The role of northern forests in limiting warming to 1.5°C

Protecting Northern Forests crucial for biodiversity, the climate and indigenous rights

The 100 largest industry emitters in EU-27

Road to Nowhere

Bioenergy CCS – too little, too expensive, and not net negative

Direct air carbon capture and storage - A waste of time and energy

Carbon emissions from the cement industry can be reduced without CCS

What we do

Air pollution

Climate Change

Policy initiatives

Do Your Bit!