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Greenhouse Gas Bulletin


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.

 

About WMO (World Meteorological Organization)

·       WMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).

·       Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

·       Established in 1950.

·       It has 187 Member States, including India, and 6 Member Territories.


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