Scientist warns the earth may be absorbing less gas

Carbon Dioxide is accumulating in the atmosphere much faster than scientists expected; New figures from dozens of measuring stations across the world reveal that CO2 the main green house gas, rose at record levels during 2006- the fourth year in the last five to show a sharp increase. It could indicate that global temperature are making forests, soils and oceans less able to absorb CO2 a shift that would make it harder to tackle global warming.

According to the latest figures, last year   saw a rise of 2.6ppm.. If the current trend continues, this Year's means the carbon dioxide level has risen by an average 2.2ppm each year since 2001. Above average annual rises in carbon dioxide levels have been explained by natural events such as the El Nino weather pattern, centered on the Pacific Ocean. But the last El Nino was on 1998, when it resulted in a record annual increase in carbon dioxide of 2.9ppm. If the current trend continues, this year's predicted El Nino could see the annual rise in carbon dioxide pass the 3ppm level for the first time. The intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change is expected to announce more robust emissions data when it reports early next month.

   

(The Hindu,20/01/07)