[This is soft science post, hard science post is here] Have you felt the increasing intensity of climate change? The World Meteorological Organization or WMO has alarming news about greenhouse gas emissions. Ongoing CO2 emissions from human activities and the rise in wildfires are key factors driving climate change.This situation risks creating a dangerous feedback loop. WATCH: Is Climate Change Getting Worse Every Year? Blooming Technologies* Oct 18 report, transcript continues
Since the 1960s, CO2 growth rates have surged, tripling from an annual average increase of 0.8 ppm to 2.4 ppm. Between 2023 and 2024, the global average CO2 concentration of CO2 skyrocketed by 3.5 ppm, marking the largest increase since measurements began in 1957. Greenhouse Gases Fuel Extreme Weather WO deputy secretary general Barrett warns that the heat trapped by greenhouse gases is intensifying our climate and causing extreme weather events.
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Reducing emissions is vital for both climate stability and economic safety. Methane & Nitrous Oxide Hit Record Highs Additionally, methane and nitrous oxide concentrations are hitting record highs. These gases, crucial contributors to global warming, are primarily emitted from human activities. CO2P A Pivotal Climate Moment To combat this crisis, WMO released its annual bulletin to inform the upcoming UN climate change conference in November.
The COP30 meeting in Bellm, Brazil is a pivotal moment to accelerate climate action. Expanding greenhouse gas monitoring is essential. Since the bulletin's first publication in 2004, CO2 levels measured rose significantly from 447.1 ppm to 423.9 ppm in 2024.
Currently, about half of annual CO2 emissions linger in the atmosphere while the rest is absorbed by Earth's ecosystems and oceans. However, this is temporary. Rising global temperatures lead to reduced ocean absorption and less effective land sinks.
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The record increase from 2023 to 2024 largely originated from wildfires and diminished CO2 uptake coinciding with an exceptionally warm year characterized by a strong El Nino effect. During El Nino, CO2 levels climb due to drier vegetation and devastating forest fires, contributing to record droughts in places like the Amazon. Experts fear deteriorating terrestrial and ocean CO2 sinks will lead to more atmospheric CO2, exacerbating global warming. Long-Term Impact of Today’s Emissions Sustaining greenhouse gas monitoring is vital for understanding these patterns.
Today's emissions not only shape our climate now but also have lasting effects for centuries due to CO2 has a long atmospheric lifespan. Methane responsible for about 16% of warming has a lifespan of roughly nine years. About 40% of methane comes from natural sources while 60% is anthropogenic including emissions from cattle and fossil fuels.
In 2024, global methane CO2 concentration reached 1942 parts per billion, dramatically exceeding pre-industrial levels.
Nitrous oxide, a significant greenhouse gas, arises from both natural and human activities. In 2024, its average concentration rose to 338.0 ppb, marking a 25% increase compared to pre-industrial levels.
The WMO, a UN agency, works internationally to enhance our understanding of atmospheric science and meteorology. Monitoring weather, climate, and water resources is crucial for disaster mitigation and public safety. The Future Depends on Us As we face these pressing climate challenges, let's stay informed and advocate for action. The future of our planet depends on it.
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