UN warns 'time running out' as greenhouse gases surge

STORY: The UN has warned that 'time is running out' as greenhouse gases surge

According to a World Meteorological Organization annual report

greenhouse gas concentrations climbed to new records last year

Concentrations of carbon dioxide rose to 415.7 parts per million last year

a level not seen since at least 3 million years ago when the Earth was much warmer

The jump in potent methane was the highest since records began in 1983

Greenhouse gases are responsible for triggering extreme weather events like heatwaves and intense rainfall

The report was released ahead of a UN climate summit in Egypt next month

and aims to spur leaders into action