Global warming is an intensively discussed topic these days, largely due to the increasing global temperature caused by rising concentrations of certain gases in the atmosphere. The two main gases associated with global warming are carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). Together, they form the biggest molecule in the atmosphere, trapping heat and raising the temperature of the Earth’s surface.
Carbon dioxide has been on the rise since the early 1800s, due to increased burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and agricultural activities. Cutting-edge analysis of air bubbles trapped in ancient glacial ice have revealed that the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere are the highest they have been in the last 400,000 years. Moreover, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has issued a warning that if CO2 emissions are not significantly reduced, we will face irreversibly dire consequences.
Methane is 25 times more potent than CO2 in terms of greenhouse effect. It is mainly produced through human activities such as cattle farming, landfills, natural gas extraction and coal mining. Scientists argue that this trace gas has been steadily increasing since 2008, driving around 20% of global warming and overall temperature rise. Additionally, two other gases—Nitrous oxide (N2O) and Fluorinated gases—are also regarded as major contributors to climate change.
In the face of these concerning findings, global action is desperately needed. Burning fewer fossil fuels, planting trees and reducing agricultural emissions can help reduce the concentration of warming gases in the atmosphere. Many governments have already taken steps to implement these changes and to push for stricter regulations on emissions. For example, the European Union has set a legislative binding target of a 40% reduction in greenhouse gases from 1990 levels by 2030, showing that progress is possible.
Ultimately, scientists agree that if ambitious measures of emission reduction are not taken soon, the situation will become increasingly dire. But new and innovative solutions are being developed everyday, and—with enough political will, public awareness and individual action—we may still be able to reduce emissions of the most dangerous environmental pollutants.
