(Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)
Why in news-
Recent data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reveals a disturbing trend – global carbon dioxide (CO2) levels reached a record high in 2023.
Key Findings:
Concentration:
The global average atmospheric CO2 concentration in 2023 stood at 419.3 parts per million (ppm). This signifies a concerning increase of 2.8 ppm from 2022.
Historical Context:
This marks the twelfth consecutive year with a CO2 rise exceeding 2 ppm, a trend unprecedented in NOAA’s monitoring records. Furthermore, CO2 levels are now over 50% higher than pre-industrial levels.
Possible Reasons:
The primary contributor to this rise is likely the ongoing increase in fossil fuel CO2 emissions.
Increased fire emissions, possibly linked to the shift from La Niña to El Niño conditions, might also be a factor.
Global Methane Levels:
Alongside CO2, methane levels also pose a threat. In 2023, they reached an average of 1922.6 parts per billion (ppb), reflecting a concerning rise of 10.9 ppb compared to 2022.
Nitrous Oxide Levels:
Nitrous oxide concentrations have also witnessed a rise, reaching 336.7 ppb in 2023, which is 25% higher than pre-industrial levels. Agricultural practices are believed to be a significant contributor to this increase.
Impact and Implications:
Elevated greenhouse gas levels, particularly CO2, act as a blanket, trapping heat and causing global temperatures to rise.
This warming trend has severe repercussions, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems.
The current pace of emissions puts us at risk of exceeding the critical 1.5°C global warming threshold within nine years, further accelerating climate change.
The Way Forward:
Urgent action is needed to curb greenhouse gas emissions. This necessitates a multi-pronged approach, including transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and adopting stricter emission regulations.
Conclusion:
The record-breaking CO2 levels reported by NOAA serve as a stark reminder of the pressing climate crisis. Addressing this issue requires international cooperation and a resolute commitment to sustainable development practices. This is a critical area for UPSC aspirants to understand, as climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies will be central to future policy decisions.
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