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November, 2004
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Climate Fears on Sharp CO2 Rise
An unexplained rise in levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere
has raised fears global warming is speeding up, according to reports.
In recent decades CO2 rose on average 1.5 parts per million
(ppm) a year but went up by over 2ppm in 2002 and
2003.
Scientists fear the earth may be losing its ability to
absorb the greenhouse gas, the Guardian and Independent say.
One
Dr. Charles Keeling, from the
Previous changes to CO2 levels have been linked to natural
occurrences, such as extreme weather patterns, but on Sunday Dr. Keeley said the increase over the last two years was a
cause for concern.
"The rise in the annual rate to above two parts per million
for two consecutive years is a real phenomenon.
"It is possible that this is merely a reflection of natural
events like previous peaks in the rate, but it is also possible that it is the
beginning of a natural process unprecedented in the record."
The Independent quoted Dr. Keeley as
saying: "This could be a decoupling of the Southern Oscillation from El
Ni–o events, which itself could be caused by increased CO2 in the atmosphere;
or it could be a weakening of the earth's carbon sinks.
Carbon sinks are areas which absorb CO2 from the atmosphere,
such as oceans and forests.
'Catastrophic Predicament'
Another scientist, Dr. Piers
Forster of the
"It will be of enormous concern, because it will imply
that all our global warming predictions for the next 100 years or so will have
to be redone.
"If the higher rate of increase continues, things will get
very much worse. It will make our predicament even more catastrophic."
The warnings follow last month's speech by Prime Minister Tony
Blair, who said urgent action was needed to combat global warming, the world's
"greatest environmental challenge".
He warned the effects of climate change would be felt within a
generation unless action was taken now.
Carbon dioxide is one of the gases that trap heat from the Sun in
the Earth's atmosphere. Others include methane and nitrous oxide.
They are released by modern industry, agriculture and the burning
of fossil fuels.
Without them, the planet would be too cold to sustain life as we
know it but most scientists accept an increase in these gases will cause a rise
in the Earth's temperature.
This could lead to an increase in sea levels and flooding due to
ice melting, as well as environmental changes.
Information provided by the British Broadcasting Corporation The
Guardian and The Independent