Last week, the World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2013, carbon concentrations in the atmosphere grew at the fastest rate ever recorded.
Carbon levels reached 396 parts per million (ppm) and grew the most ever in one year, by a frightening 2.9 ppm.
Here’s the mind-blowing reaction from conservative think tank Cato Institute:
Rising carbon dioxide levels are a reminder of the advancement of human progress, and are really a cause for celebration, not a sign of impending environmental catastrophe, according to Chip Knappenberger, Associate Director of the Cato Institute’s Center for the Study of Science.
For Cato, increased carbon dioxide levels means greater human
productivity, which leads to a higher standard of living globally.
It means that China and India, in particular are expanding energy use and availability, giving more than a billion people access to electricity. "Consequently, we should anticipate that the atmospheric CO2 concentration will continue to grow for many years to come."
Because the benefits of fossil use are so enormous, he says, we "should continue to embrace and expand" their use. He also says climate models are exaggerated and the world won’t warm as much as predicted. Therefore there isn’t much need for government action.
"So rather than accompanying the World Meteorological Organization announcement with hand-wringing and talk of
self-destructive doom and gloom – the more appropriate response would be to
applaud our progress in energy expansion across the world."
What the World Meteorological Organization Really Says
Meanwhile, World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Michel Jarraud says in the announcement:
"We know without any doubt that our climate is changing and our weather is becoming more extreme due to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels."
"Past, present and future carbon emissions will have a cumulative impact on both global warming and ocean acidification. The laws of physics are non-negotiable. We are running out of time."
Growing at 2.9 ppm last year is the largest year-to-year increase since 1984, when reliable global records began. The past decade has been the warmest for both land and sea temperatures, in both hemispheres, reaching new heights this May and June.
Methane levels are also growing at about the same rate as the past five years, reaching 1824 parts per billion (ppb), and nitrous oxide – the other main greenhouse gas – reached 325.9 ppb.
We have the knowledge and tools to keep global warming within 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit), which would "give our planet a chance and… our children and grandchildren a future," says Jarraud. "Pleading ignorance can no longer be an excuse for not acting."
Another report also sounds the alarm.
"The gap between what we are achieving and what we need to do is growing wider every year," says Jonathan Grant of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ annual Low Carbon Economy Index report.
Looking at current government pledges, we’re on track for 3 degrees C. Carbon intensity dropped 1.2% between 2012-2013 in contrast to the 6.2% a year that’s required.
Read our article, Carbon Levels Cross 400ppm, Two Months Earlier.
Loading...