South Korea's CO2 Levels Hit Record High Amid Rising Temperatures

South Korea is facing a stark reality as its atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration has hit a new record of 432.7 ppm in 2024, according to the National Meteorological Science Institute. This figure, a continuation of a worrying decade-long trend, underscores the persistent challenge of climate change within our borders. The annual increase of 3.2 ppm is particularly alarming, being the second-highest jump in the last ten years, and it directly correlates with the rising average temperatures experienced across the nation.

“

South Korea's background concentration of carbon dioxide in 2024 was 432.7 ppm, an increase of 3.2 ppm from the previous year.

This data, collected from monitoring stations like Anmyeondo, Jeju Gosan, Ulleungdo, and Pohang, paints a clear picture: our environment is changing at an accelerating pace. The Hankyoreh has consistently reported on the environmental challenges facing South Korea, and this latest report reinforces the urgency of our situation. While global CO2 levels also show a similar upward trend, our national figures are notably higher than the global average reported by NOAA, a discrepancy the Meteorological Administration attributes to measurement variations based on latitude.

“

The annual increase of 3.2 ppm is the second-largest in the past 10 years.

While there's a glimmer of hope with the slowing growth rate of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, the increases in other gases like nitrous oxide and sulfur hexafluoride remain a concern. The success story of reducing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) through international cooperation like the Montreal Protocol serves as a reminder that concerted action can yield results, but the current trajectory for CO2 and other major greenhouse gases demands immediate and intensified efforts.

“

South Korea's CO2 background concentration has been rising by an average of 2.5 ppm per year since 2000, and by 2.6 ppm per year in the last decade.

From our perspective at The Hankyoreh, this isn't just a scientific report; it's a critical warning. The rising CO2 levels are not merely abstract numbers; they directly impact our lives through rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and the overall health of our ecosystem. We must move beyond acknowledging the problem and implement concrete, effective policies to curb emissions and transition towards a sustainable future. The fight against climate change requires a national commitment, and we will continue to hold policymakers accountable for taking meaningful action.

“

Methane concentration increased by 2 ppb last year, a significant slowdown compared to the average annual increase of 10 ppb over the past decade.