The United Nations says surging carbon dioxide emissions sent greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to record levels last year.
In its annual report on greenhouse gas concentrations Tuesday, the World Meteorological Organization said carbon dioxide levels between 2012 and 2013 marked the largest yearly increase since reliable global records began 30 years ago.
A large percentage of carbon dioxide emissions are absorbed by the oceans.
In a statement accompanying the report, WMO chief Michel Jarraud warned that "past, present and future carbon dioxide emissions will have a cumulative impact on global warming and ocean acidification." He said the "laws of physics are non-negotiable."
Many scientists believe that increased greenhouse gases are responsible for global warming, or the warming of the atmosphere. Jarraud has said there is no doubt that global temperatures are rising.