World Meteorological Congress approves a global tracker for greenhouse gas emissions

Tags: International News

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the World Meteorological Congress approved a new greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring initiative.

An Overview of the News

• The initiative aims to support urgent action in reducing heat-trapping gases that contribute to global temperature rise.
• The newly established Global Greenhouse Gas Watch integrates observational systems, modelling capabilities and data assimilation.
• The initiative addresses critical information gaps in GHG monitoring.
• The unanimous support of the 193 members of the WMO highlights the importance of greenhouse gas monitoring.
• The initiative strengthens the scientific basis for climate change mitigation efforts.

World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

• It was established in 1873 by the International Meteorological Organization.
• Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
• On March 23, 1950, the World Meteorological Organization became a specialised organisation of the United Nations.
• This organisation uses the latest information on meteorology, climatology, hydrology and related geophysical research to contribute to the safety and welfare of society.

About Greenhouse Gases

• Greenhouse gas definition: A greenhouse gas absorbs and emits thermal infrared radiation, causing the greenhouse effect.
• Primary Greenhouse Gases: The main greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere are water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.
• Water vapour: It is the most abundant greenhouse gas and contributes to the natural greenhouse effect.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Released by human activities such as burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, it is a major cause of global warming.
• Methane (CH4): Produced during coal, oil and gas production as well as livestock farming, it is a potent greenhouse gas.
• Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Emitted from agricultural and industrial activities, it contributes to both global warming and ozone depletion.
• Ozone (O3): While beneficial in the stratosphere, at lower levels, it acts as a greenhouse gas.