Greenhouse Gas Bulletin

 

Context

In November, 2023 World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) released Greenhouse Gas Bulletin.

About

• Greenhouse Gas Bulletin analyses data from the WMO Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme.

• GAW provides information on atmospheric composition to the public; it consists of a worldwide measuring network of observation stations and scientific infrastructure.

• Greenhouse Gas Bulletin compares current global carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), and Nitrous oxide (N20) levels with last years and pre-industrial level (before year 1750).
• It also provides insights on Radiative forcing changes by long-lived GHGs (LLGHGs) like CO2, CH4, and CFCs.

Key Highlights

1. Carbon dioxide concentrations in 2022 were 50% above the pre-industrial era

• Global average C02 concentrations reached 417.9 ppm in 2022, representing a 150% increase from pre-industrial levels.

2. Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N20) concentrations increased by 264% and 124% respectively from pre-industrial levels in 2022.
3. From 1990 to 2022, radiative forcing by LLGHGs increased by 49%, with CO2 accounting for about 78% of this increase.

Challenges in addressing GHGs, the drivers of climate change:

1. Feedback Mechanism: Climate change has multiple feedback loops including increased carbon emissions from soils and reduced carbon uptake by oceans and forests.
2. Tipping points: Climate may reach Tipping points i.e., thresholds triggering self-accelerating, potentially irreversible changes.
3. Natural variability: CO2, CH4, and N20 levels vary due to natural processes like El Nino.

 

 

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