There is terrible news for those who hope the pace of global warming might slow. NOAA Research reports that the pace of greenhouse gas emissions did not slow last year. This means, largely, that efforts to combat climate change through actions taken by private and public institutions have yet to succeed. And it undercuts most optimism about the future.
Cost Of Crisis –Los Angeles $12.5 Billion
Climate Crisis History –The View From 1969
The authors note that the increase includes carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide, the “heat-trapping gases.” Global Monitoring Laboratory Director Vanda Grubišić remarked. “As these numbers show, we still have a lot of work to do to make meaningful progress in reducing the amount of greenhouse gases accumulating in the atmosphere.” The rise of each has been fairly steady since the early 1980s.
The effects of these gases cannot be overstated. According to Sustainability, “All Carbon dioxide is responsible for 53% of the level of global warming. It is the result of processes such as fuel use, deforestation and production of cement and other materials.”
30,000 Year Problem
About eight-tenths of greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere for 200 years. The balance can last for as many as 30,000 years.
The study does not say the level at which the greenhouse gas problems affect different parts of the population. Among people who live in temperate climates, which are not ravaged by storms, floods, drought, or extreme heat for the time being, the effects, if any, will be negligible. The effects are incalculable for parts of the world, including most of India, the Middle East, and people who live in the nation’s oceans. Many who need to relocate will need to relocate more quickly. And, worse, many of them have nowhere to go.
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