The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached a record high last year and is rising again this year.
While global measures against the spread of the coronavirus, such as the partial shutdown of air traffic, have reduced greenhouse gas emissions, this decline is temporary.
This is the conclusion of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). “The lockdown-related drop in emissions is only a small part of the long-term graph. We need a sustained flattening of the curve,” said the United Nations branch of speciality in terms of weather and climate.
Greenhouse gases are a significant cause of climate change, as they trap heat in the atmosphere and raise temperatures.
In addition, CO2 emissions, caused by human activities, are primarily responsible for global warming.
CO2 concentrations will continue to rise this year, albeit at a slightly slower pace. The WMO indicates that the impact of the lockdown “will not exceed normal annual fluctuations” and will not cause a decrease in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.
