Greenhouse gases rising to record levels

WASHINGTON -- Heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are building up so high, so fast, that some scientists now think the world can no longer limit global warming to the level world leaders have agreed upon as safe.

New figures from the United Nations weather agency yesterday showed that the three biggest greenhouse gases not only reached record levels last year but also were increasing at an ever-faster rate, despite efforts by many countries to reduce emissions.

As world leaders meet next week in South Africa to tackle climate change, several scientists said their projections show it is unlikely the world can hold warming to the target set by leaders two years ago in Copenhagen.

. The findings from the UN World Meteorological Organization are consistent with other grim reports issued recently. Earlier this month, figures from the U.S. Department of Energy showed that global carbon dioxide emissions in 2010 jumped by the highest one-year amount ever.

-- AP