Let's Not Forget Other Gasses

Efforts to tackle climate change has always been focused on efforts to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide gas (CO2). In fact, according to the publication of the research team from NOAA's Earth System Research in the journal Nature, to reduce emissions of other greenhouse gases also can slow climate change.

"We know that climate change is primarily driven by CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels. We also know that the problem will still exist because of CO2 in the atmosphere to survive. But, lowering emissions of other greenhouse gases could provide more rapid changes for improvement," said Stephen Montzka, one of the researchers.

Based on the study team of scientists, it is known that in order to stabilize the effects of warming due to CO2 in the atmosphere now required reduction in CO2 emissions by 80 percent. Climate change is not be prevented without a commitment to reduce CO2 emissions that can exist in the atmosphere over the long millennia.

However, study results also showed that by reducing non-CO2 gas emissions by 80 percent, which leads to warming of climate change can be delayed for several decades. If efforts to reduce CO2 emissions is also performed, then the warming effect caused by the gases in this century could be inhibited.

Currently, greenhouse gases such as methane, nitrogen oxide and other gases that could damage the ozone layer is still present in low concentrations. But the scientists noted that without a change in behavior, then the emissions from non-CO2 gases will continue to rise and accelerating climate change.

James Butler is also one of NOAA researchers say, "the long-term program to reduce CO2 emissions should not forget the effectiveness of short-term action. Managing emissions from non-CO2 gases is one opportunity to increase contributions."