Why is it in the news?

• Greenhouse Gas Bulletin was recently released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
• The Greenhouse Gas Bulletin is based on data from the WMO Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme.
• GAW provides information on atmospheric composition through a global network of observation stations and scientific infrastructure.

Major Highlights

 Greenhouse Gas Levels

• Global average CO2 concentrations reached 417.9 ppm (parts per million) in 2022. This represents a 150% increase from pre-industrial levels (before the year 1750).
• Methane (CH4) concentrations increased by 264%, and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) concentrations increased by 124% from pre-industrial levels in 2022.

 Radiative Forcing Changes

• Radiative forcing by long-lived greenhouse gases (LLGHGs) like CO2, CH4, and CFCs increased by 49% from 1990 to 2022. CO2 accounted for about 78% of this increase in radiative forcing.

Challenges in Addressing GHGs

• Feedback Mechanism: Climate change is influenced by feedback loops, including increased carbon emissions from soils and reduced carbon uptake by oceans and forests.
• Tipping Points: Climate may reach tipping points, triggering self-accelerating and potentially irreversible changes.
• Natural Variability: CO2, CH4, and N2O levels vary due to natural processes such as El Niño.
• Radiative Forcing by Long-Lived GHGs: Radiative forcing measures the impact of these gases on the Earth’s energy balance. Greenhouse gases trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space and causing the planet to warm up.