CARBON emissions are escaping into the earth's atmosphere at an unprecedented rate, an international group of scientists has warned.

In 2005, about 7.9 billion tonnes of carbon were released globally, according to figures published yesterday by the CSIRO. Scientist Mike Raupach, who also co-chairs the international Global Carbon Project, was surprised by his research results. "It shows recent efforts globally to reduce emissions have had little impact on emissions growth," he said.

The rate of emissions had grown by about 2.5 per cent each year since 2000, compared with less than 1 per cent growth each year in the 1990s.

Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere — a separate measure to carbon emissions — had also increased at an unprecedented rate.

Science Minister Julie Bishop yesterday announced that research on climate change would benefit from a $500 million Federal Government upgrade to science infrastructure. Funded programs include systems to explore the effect of climate change on Australia's geological structure and marine environment, and an online atlas of native Australian species.

Another $640 million will be contributed by universities, state governments and the private sector.