The U.N. meteorological agency says despite a decrease in emissions due to reduced economic activity during COVID-19, carbon dioxide and other warming gases continued to accumulate in the atmosphere.
Scientists said the concentration of carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change, is the highest in data going back 800,000 years, based on ice core records.
Allison Crimmins, who heads the National Climate Assessment, says the U.N.'s landmark report confirms the need for "significant, sustained action" to reduce emissions.
Men spend their money on greenhouse gas-emitting goods and services, such as meat and fuel, at a much higher rate than women, Swedish researchers found.
The amount of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere reached 419 parts per million in May, its highest level in more than four million years, according to NOAA. Fossil fuel use is driving the increase.
Germany's top court rejected some of the activists' arguments but agreed that the country's climate act violates their fundamental rights by not specifying emissions reduction targets after 2030.