NZ Atmospheric Data Show 400ppm Carbon Far From Most Human Emissions In Global North
MARCH
Scientists pinpointed agriculture as the most likely reason for rising methane levels in the atmosphere. Research, led by Niwa atmospheric scientist Dr Hinrich Schaefer, ruled out fossil fuel production as the major cause. The amount of methane in the earth’s atmosphere is estimated to have increased by about 150% since 1750. A plateau was observed between 1999 and 2006, but it then began to rise again.
Data indicated the source of the increase was methane produced by bacteria, of which the most likely sources were rice paddies and livestock. It was already known the methane originated from regions in South East Asia, China and India, which are dominated by rice production and agriculture. Methane is an important gas to deal with when it comes to mitigating climate change.
JUNE
Since 1972, Niwa has operated a Clean Air Monitoring Station at Baring Head, near Wellington. The data collected there makes a significant contribution to the global understanding of greenhouse gases. In June, Baring Head’s carbon dioxide readings officially passed 400 parts per million (ppm), a level last reached more than three million years ago.
Globally, the 400ppm threshold represents an atmospheric landmark as a focus for the urgency to tackle climate change. The Baring Head reading was particularly significant because most emissions occur in the northern hemisphere and the air arriving here originates far to the south, away from human activities. Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas contributing to warming of the atmosphere and reducing levels to below 400pm would take many years of emissions reduction.
EDIT
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/methane-important-climate-change