Greenhouse gas concentrations reach new record levels: WMO
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Greenhouse gases
The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached a record high in 2011, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
Between 1990 and 2011, there was a 30% increase in radiative forcing – the warming effect on our climate – because of carbon dioxide (co2) and other heating-trapping long-lived gases.
WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud made the announcement in Geneva Tuesday.
“And what you have to keep in mind is that some of these gases, in particular C02 – once it's released in the atmosphere will stay there for a very, very long time – centuries even longer. So even if you were able to stop new emissions tomorrow… these greenhouse gases which have already been sent in the atmosphere will continue to have an effect for actually centuries.”
World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Michel Jarraud says future emissions will only compound the situation.
Donn Bobb, United Nations
Duration: 56″
