Global warming continues as green house gases have hit record levels in the atmosphere. Per the U.N. weather agency, since the industrial era began in the mid 1700′s, carbon dioxide concentration has increased by 39 percent, nitrous oxide has increased by 20 percent and methane concentration has increased by 158 percent.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has indicated that that CO2 levels are now at 389 parts per million, up from about 280 parts per million 250 years ago. It was said by WMO Deputy Secretary-General Jeremiah Lengoasa that CO2 emissions are responsible for 80% of this rise. He also indicated that these greenhouse gases have long life spans an that even if we eliminate the current conditions that produce them, the current concentrations will remain in the atmosphere for decades to come. Many scientists and climate activists say that 350 parts per million was already the danger point.
This concentration appears to be accelerating as the increase in CO2 between 2009 and 2010 was 2.3 ppm as opposed to the increase in the 1990′s that averaged 1.5 ppm.
The burning of fossil fuels and the loss of forests that absorb CO2 and the use of fertilizer were indicated by the report as the main reasons for these increases.
Representatives from most of the world’s nations will gather in November 2011 in South Africa to try to and agree on ways to stem this problems and head of serious climate issues that are expected to hit once the concentration of CO2 hits about 450 ppm.
