Carbon dioxide levels hit 800,000-year high

There has never been this much carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere in the last 800,000 years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said this week.

Carbon dioxide emissions mainly come from fossil fuel burning, and last week scientists detected the highest levels of the planet-warming greenhouse gas in Earth's atmosphere since records began: 415.26 parts per million (ppm), as recorded by the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii.

According to GMA News TV's Nathaniel Cruz on his report for 24 Oras on Thursday, rising CO2 levels are known to cause an increase in extreme weather and climate events such as drought and polar vortexes.

High CO2 levels also play a role in global warming and climate change, which are taking its toll on melting ice sheets.

Weather

As of the report, the heat index in Metro Manila is expected to reach 40°C  on Friday.

The heat index is the measure that indicates the level of discomfort the average person feels due to high temperature.

PAGASA's heat index chart.

Much of the country can expect thunderstorms, especially in the Visayas and Mindanao. — Margaret Claire Layug/BM, GMA News