The article begins with the revelation that greenhouse gases in our atmosphere reached an all-time high again during 2020, experiencing an annual increase rate above the average noted from 2011-2020. This is indicated by data from the Greenhouse Gas Bulletin presented by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Interestingly, this happened despite a 5.6% decrease in CO2 emissions from fossil fuels in 2020 due to pandemic associated restrictions.
The WMO and its Report “United in Science 2021”
The WMO operates as a specialized United Nations agency, focusing on meteorology (including weather and climate), operational hydrology, and other related geophysical sciences. The organization’s Global Atmosphere Watch Programme acts as a coordinator for systematic observations and analysis of greenhouse gases and other atmospheric constituents. One of their recent reports, titled “United in Science 2021,” presents data and insights into the current state of our planet’s environment.
Data Analysis: Understanding Key Points
The report demonstrates that the concentration of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), which is the most significant greenhouse gas, hit 413.2 parts per million in 2020. This value represents a staggering 149% increase from the pre-industrial level. Despite this, many countries are now establishing carbon-neutral targets. This trend is catalyzing hopes for a dramatic surge in commitments during the upcoming COP26 Climate Conference. Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) levels are also significantly elevated, sitting at 262% and 123% respectively of the values recorded in 1750 when humans first started significantly disrupting Earth’s natural balance.
Economic Slowdown and Climate Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic economic slowdown did not have any discernible impact on the atmospheric levels and growth rates of greenhouse gases. While there was a temporary dip in new emissions, it didn’t enough affect their overall levels. The past 30 years saw a 47% increase in radiative forcing — the warming effect on our climate — by long-lived greenhouse gases. CO2 was responsible for approximately 80% of this increase.
Future Concerns and Climate Change
Our future holds concerns about an expected temperature rise by the end of this century. This increase is predicted to greatly exceed the Paris Agreement targets of 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Parts of the Amazon rainforest, once acting as a carbon sink that removed CO2 from the air, are now a source of CO2 due to deforestation and decreased humidity. Considering the longevity of CO2, even rapid reductions to net zero emissions would not immediately solve the problem, as we can expect several decades of persistence at current temperature levels.
Indian Initiatives In Response to Climate Change
In response to these environmental challenges, India has launched several initiatives. These include Seaweed-Based Animal Feed aimed at reducing methane emissions in bovine populations, the India Greenhouse Gas Program, and the National Action Plan on Climate Change. Furthermore, Bharat Stage-VI Norms have been enacted as a part of the country’s efforts to curb harmful emissions.