“Carbon dioxide has once again reached a record annual peak. Unsurprisingly, it’s another reminder that greenhouse gas levels are still rising and the climate system is responding. Every fraction of a degree matters, and those small increments of warming continue to compound in the impacts seen around the world.”

In case you missed our latest climate science briefing, check out the recording from yesterday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ2SiFMGMP0

Climate Central’s Monthly Briefing Highlights: May 2026

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For downloadable graphics, new interactives on greenhouse gases, a monthly blog, and a climate data summary globally and across the U.S., check out our monthly reports: https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-briefings/may-2026.
Climate Central’s Monthly Briefing Highlights from May 2026 | Climate Central

Climate Central’s Monthly Briefing Highlights from May 2026

@ZLabe It's hard not to be depressed by this. The only hope I have is that the recent oil crisis hastens the movement towards electrification, and the super El Niño flips the switch in some people's brains.

@suzannealdrich @ZLabe

On one hand it is sad to think of the all co2 going straight into the air, from burning bombed oil and gas facilities. There is not even any useful work getting done. It is just a waste.

On the other hand, the increased rate transition because of the resulted increased price and fuel vulnerability has probably been the best driver of change we have seen. Definitely a more urgent driver than just climate change.

Perhaps we need to burn the rest of the fossil fuel facilities down?

@ZLabe
That's right, every fraction of a degree matters, in the tropics you can even feel it.

@ZLabe

That little detail that carbon levels are still rising while people post news that alternative energy is pumping out more electric electricity then gas power plants.

Physics doesn’t care what the electrical grid is working off of, it “cares” about how much CO2, methane and other factors are going on.

Permafrost and glaciers are releasing methane now then I believe also parts of the ocean.. then maybe the Amazon too.

If bunker fuel stayed 3x more expensive that would probably help.