Greenhouse gas levels surge to a new record in 2023: WMO

30 Oct 2024

Greenhouse gas levels surge to a new record in 2023: WMO

Greenhouse gas levels surged to a new record in 2023, rising by more than 10% in just two decades, according to a new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

  • India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are a climate action plan that aims to reduce emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change. 
  • India’s NDC targets include: 
    • Reducing emissions intensity: Reducing the emissions intensity of India’s GDP by 45% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels 
    • Renewable energy: Increasing the share of renewables in electricity generation to 50% by 2030 
    • Carbon sink creation: Creating an additional 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon sink through forests by 2030 
    • Net zero carbon emissions: Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 
    • Green hydrogen: Producing five million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030 
    • Renewable energy capacity: Installing 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 

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Key Highlights of report

  • Current Reduction Plans:
    • The UN report states that existing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) would only reduce emissions by 2.6% from 2019 levels if fully implemented.
  • Needed Reduction:
    • To limit global warming to 1.5°C, the IPCC recommends a 43% reduction by 2030 and a 60% reduction by 2035.
  • UN Climate Change Statement:
    • Simon Steill, UN Climate Change executive, emphasized the need for stronger action in upcoming NDC updates to meet climate goals.
  • GHG Surge in 2023:
    • WMO reports record-high GHG levels in 2023, with CO2 concentration reaching 420 ppm, an increase of 2.3 ppm from 2022.
  • Historical CO2 Context:
    • Current CO2 levels are similar to those 3-5 million years ago, when temperatures were 2-3°C higher and sea levels were 10-20 meters above current levels.
  • Radiative Forcing Increase (1990-2023):
    • Warming effects from long-lived GHGs increased by 51.5%, with CO2 responsible for 81% of this rise (NOAA data).
  • Climate Feedback Concerns
    • Potential Vicious Cycle:
      • WMO warns that warming could turn natural ecosystems into GHG sources, as wildfires release more carbon and oceans absorb less CO2.
    • Long-term Impact of CO2:
      • CO2’s long atmospheric lifespan means temperature levels will remain elevated for decades, even with emission reductions.
  • Factors Driving Rising GHG Levels
    • Human Activities:
      • High CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and reduced forest carbon absorption are major contributors to rising GHG levels.
    • Natural Causes:
      • El Niño-induced warmer temperatures, dry vegetation, and wildfires have increased GHG emissions.
    • Methane Surge (2020-2022):
      • Methane levels saw their largest three-year rise, primarily due to increased emissions from natural wetlands during La Niña conditions.
  • India’s Climate Commitments
    • Updated NDCs (August 2022):
      • India aims to reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% from 2005 levels and ensure 50% of electricity generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
    • Global Standing:
      • Despite a 6.1% rise in emissions in 2023, India’s historical contribution to global emissions remains at 3%.

About Global Warming Potential (GWP) 

  • Measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas (GHG) traps in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide (CO2).
  • GWP is used to compare the effectiveness of different GHGs in causing global warming

Greenhouse gas

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About the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

  • The WMO is an intergovernmental organization with 193 member states and territories. 
  • India is one of the Member States of the WMO.
  • Origin: WMO originated from the International Meteorological Organization, the roots of which were planted at the 1873 Vienna International Meteorological Congress.
  • Establishment: WMO was established by ratifying the WMO Convention on 23rd March 1950.
  • Specialized Agency: It became the specialized agency of the United Nations for Meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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