So, the ozone hole has stopped shrinking. That’s good to know. But I’m cynical about how good the news is because the Montreal accord banning CFCs occurred in 1987 more than a quarter of a century ago and we’re spewing out more greenhouse gases than ever. And the weather is still wacky.
A surge in atmospheric CO2 saw levels of greenhouse gases reach record levels in 2013, according to new figures. Concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere between 2012 and 2013 grew at their fastest rate since 1984.
This warning data is compounded by the finding that CO2 locked in soil (which is 4x the amount in plants) is being released as the planet experiences warmer, more volatile temperatures. This means that release of greenhouse gases is creating a feedback on itself, thereby compounding the problem.
Atmospheric CO2 is now at 142% of the levels in 1750, before the start of the industrial revolution. We are running out of time.
Reducing CO2 will only occur if we reduce energy consumption and use more renewable sources. We must live within the laws of nature or nature will just get rid of us.
And don’t expect government to act. It is up to each of us to take a step in the right direction, every day. That means me and you too.
BBC: Greenhouse gas levels rising at fastest rate since 1984 Warning – this article contains depressing news.
BBC: Warning over vulnerability of soil carbon to warming
Nature: Temperature sensitivity of soil respiration rates enhanced by microbial community response
BBC: Ozone layer showing ‘signs of recovery’, UN says
World Meteorological Organization and UN Environment Programme Report Press Release and Report
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