Atmospheric concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases reached an all-time high last year, with no signs of abating, according to World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary greenhouse gas, were 50% above pre-industrial levels in 2022, marking a significant milestone. While the rate of growth in CO2 concentrations slightly decreased compared to the previous year, the overall trend continues to rise, fueled by ongoing industrial activities.
METHANE AND NITROUS OXIDE ON THE RISE
The report highlights an increase in methane concentrations and notes that nitrous oxide, the third major greenhouse gas, experienced its highest year-on-year increase on record from 2021 to 2022. These findings, presented in the Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, come ahead of the United Nations Climate Change negotiations (COP28) in Dubai.
DIRE WARNING FROM WMO SECRETARY-GENERAL
WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas issued a stark warning, emphasizing that despite decades of scientific alerts and numerous climate conferences, the world is still heading in the wrong direction. Prof. Taalas stressed that the current greenhouse gas concentrations are steering the planet toward temperature increases well beyond the targets set in the Paris Agreement. The consequences, including extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and environmental costs, are expected to soar. Urgent action to reduce fossil fuel consumption is imperative.
KEY INSIGHTS AND GLOBAL IMPACT
The report underscores that just under half of CO2 emissions remain in the atmosphere, while over a quarter is absorbed by the ocean and nearly 30% by land ecosystems. As long as emissions persist, CO2 will continue to accumulate, leading to a prolonged global temperature rise. The report also notes that the Earth has not experienced comparable CO2 concentrations in 3-5 million years, resulting in a significantly warmer climate and higher sea levels.
GLOBAL GREENHOUSE GAS WATCH INITIATIVE
The WMO Bulletin introduces the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch, an initiative approved by the World Meteorological Congress. This ambitious project aims to monitor greenhouse gas levels continually, providing crucial information for understanding both human-related and natural sources and sinks. The initiative is designed to support the goals of the Paris Agreement and enhance efforts to limit global warming.
CALL FOR ACTION AND RISK MANAGEMENT
While uncertainties persist in understanding the carbon cycle, the report stresses the need for flexible and adaptive strategies, highlighting the importance of risk management in achieving net-zero emissions. The Global Greenhouse Gas Watch, expected to be operational by 2028, will play a pivotal role in gathering accurate and actionable data to support ambitious climate goals.
In conclusion, the report emphasizes the critical need for immediate and sustained efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the escalating climate crisis.
