The level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has again set a record

In 2023, concentrations of the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming—carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide—in the Earth’s atmosphere again reached their highest levels on record. About it reported US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Due to the burning of fossil fuels, livestock farming and deforestation, carbon dioxide levels are now 50% higher than before mass industrialization.

Methane enters the atmosphere when drilling oil and gas wells, as well as from the natural waste of cows and other ruminants. Now its concentration in the atmosphere is 160% higher than in pre-industrial times.

Nitrous oxide levels in the air have increased by 25% in about a century and a half due to the widespread use of nitrogen fertilizers, sewage treatment and fuel combustion.

Scientists from NOAA note that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today is comparable to what it was about 4.3 million years ago. There were no people then, the sea level was almost 23 meters higher, and trees grew in the Arctic tundra.

• Greenhouse gases are one of the main factors of global warming. Due to rising global temperatures, floods, droughts, wildfires, storms, cold waves and heat waves are occurring more frequently and becoming more intense. Natural disasters lead to the death and migration of people and animals, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and destruction of land.