04-November-2024-Editorial

WMO’S GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) BULLETIN 2023

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently released its annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Bulletin for 2023, detailing the latest analysis on GHG levels from its Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) program. This report highlights the ongoing rise in GHG concentrations, underlining the urgent need for effective climate action.

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

• Definition: GHGs are gases that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change.
• Human Influence: Activities like fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial processes have intensified GHG levels.

Key GHGs:

• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Primarily from burning fossil fuels, CO₂ is the most significant contributor to global warming.
• Methane (CH₄): Emitted from activities such as agriculture, waste management, and fossil fuel extraction.
• Nitrous Oxide (N₂O): Released through agricultural practices, land use, and industrial emissions.
• Water Vapor (H₂O): Although naturally occurring and short-lived, water vapor plays a crucial role in the greenhouse effect.
• Industrial Fluorinated Gases: These gases, like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆), have high Global Warming Potential (GWP) and are potent contributors to warming.

Key Findings of the 2023 GHG Bulletin

Rising GHG Levels:

• GHG concentrations, including CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O, reached record highs in 2023.
• CO₂ levels increased by 2.3 ppm from 2022, reaching a global average of 420 ppm.

Historical Warming Trends:

• Since 1990, the warming effect from GHGs has risen by 51.5%, with CO₂ responsible for around 81% of this increase.
• Current CO₂ levels are comparable to those from 3-5 million years ago when global temperatures were 2-3°C higher, and sea levels were 10-20 meters above present levels.

Highest Radiative Forcing:

• 2023 was the warmest year on record, with global temperatures 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900).
• Radiative forcing, which measures the warming impact of GHGs, saw unprecedented highs.

Causes of Increased CO₂:

• Human Activities: Consistent emissions from fossil fuels and industrial sectors.
• El Niño Effect: Droughts and wildfires, particularly in regions like South Asia, contributed to more GHG emissions by reducing land-based carbon absorption.

Climate Concerns Highlighted

• Vicious Cycle Risk: Rising CO₂ levels could cause natural ecosystems to release more GHGs, as warming accelerates events like wildfires and reduces carbon absorption by oceans.
• Methane Increase: From 2020 to 2022, methane saw the largest three-year rise, partly due to natural wetland emissions under warmer and wetter La Niña conditions.
• Reduced Carbon Sinks: Warming oceans and frequent wildfires could limit the natural capacity to absorb GHGs, making emission reductions more challenging.

Policy and Global Initiatives

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):

• NDC Shortfall: The UNFCCC’s 2023 assessment shows current NDCs would reduce emissions by only 2.6% from 2019 levels by 2030, far below the 43% cut needed to limit warming to 1.5°C.
• UNFCCC’s Call for Updates: Nations are urged to submit updated NDCs by February 2024 to bridge the gap in emission reductions.

Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW):

• Role: GAW is a global collaboration involving 100 countries that provides crucial data on atmospheric composition changes, supporting air pollution and climate change research.
• Key Areas Monitored: GAW focuses on six core areas: ozone, UV radiation, GHGs, aerosols, reactive gases, and precipitation chemistry.

About the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

• Overview: As the UN’s specialized agency on atmospheric science, the WMO addresses issues related to climate, water resources, weather, and their interactions with land and oceans.
• Structure: WMO’s framework includes the World Meteorological Congress, Executive Council, regional associations, technical commissions, and a Secretariat.
• Global Cooperation: WMO has 193 member states, including India, working collaboratively on climate monitoring and advocacy.

Key Global and Indian Initiatives to Reduce GHGs

Global Initiatives:

• Kyoto Protocol
• Paris Agreement
• International Solar Alliance
• Global Biofuel Alliance

Indian Initiatives:

• Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) Emission Norms
• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
• Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act 2022
• Panchamrit Goals

Conclusion:

The WMO’s 2023 GHG Bulletin emphasizes the urgent need for stronger climate policies to counter rising GHG levels. With global cooperation and enhanced contributions through programs like GAW, nations must act decisively to mitigate the escalating climate crisis and secure a sustainable future.