World Meteorological Organization press release: GHG has reached a record high

The World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) annual greenhouse gas (GHG) bulletin has noted that GHGs reached a record high in 2011.  In a press release put out to the public early this week, the WMO explains that a 30% increase in radiative forcing (the warming effect on climate) has occurred between 1990 and 2011.  Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are 85% responsible for this increase in radiative forcing, and atmospheric CO2 has increased to 40% above the pre-industrial level.

The press release also discusses methane and nitrious oxide, as the other two major sources of GHG, and identifies the role of carbon sinks in absorbing atmospheric carbon.  Click here to read the full press release.