Greenhouse gas 4 times more than thought

by jessica.lam | October 24, 2008 at 02:38 pm

195 views | 8 Recommendations | 9 comments

Greenhouse gases form a part of our atmospheric protection - absorbing and emitting radiation.

Levels of a powerful greenhouse gas are four times as high as previously thought, according to new measurements released on Thursday.

New analytical techniques show that about 5,400 metric tons of nitrogen trifluoride are in the atmosphere, with amounts increasing by about 11 per cent per year.

Ray Weiss of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California, and colleagues said it had not been possible to accurately measure this gas before.

They said nitrogen trifluoride is 17,000 times more effective at warming the atmosphere than an equal mass of carbon dioxide, although it does not yet contribute much to global warming.

Scientists estimate the gas contributes to just 0.15 per cent of total global warming.

Weiss said nitrogen trifluoride needs to be regulated, as carbon dioxide is.

"From a climate perspective, there is a need to add nitrogen trifluoride to the suite of greenhouse gases whose production is inventoried and whose emissions are regulated under the Kyoto Protocol, thus providing meaningful incentives for its wise use," he said.

I've always wondered how to improve my own emissions. I already am well versed in the public transit schedules of the Vancouver area, so what else can I do? What does the Kyoto protocol mean to the countries that signed it?

I was hoping to capture the famous Philippine sunset, so I went up a mountain with my camera. But instead of a beautiful sunset, this is what i saw. It almost looked post apocalyptic. Like a ghostly image of what once was.

rommelmagic has contributed a photo to this story.

Great article, it makes me think about the future. Thanks for choosing my photos.

jessica.lam, I like this story. It's good stuff.

I wonder, will gas prices affect that?

jessica.lam, I like this story. WHAT CAN I DO ? good question, I have a city to walk, no need for a car. Trains buses all here. Now thousands walk the weekend in the pedestrian shopping avenue and enjoy to meet people at the french Riviera. your finding: nitrogen trifluoride needs to be regulated, as carbon dioxide, very important. Do you know where it comes from ?

jessica.lam, I like this story. It's good stuff.

“I already am well versed in the public transit schedules of the Vancouver area, so what else can I do?”

Other than transit you can walk, bike or drive a fuel efficient vehicle.

Control your home heating by stopping drafts around windows and doors. Make sure your house is well insulated. Use a high energy efficient furnace. Plastic over the interior of older windows works well.

Control your home air conditioning by turning it down a degree and not having it 'running high' while not home. Not allowing the suns heat in by closing drapes or blinds is good.

Use energy efficient lighting and turn lights off when not in use.

As an alternative to lights you can have skylights installed to utilize the natural light during the daytime.

Turn off your pc when not in use.

Before going on vacation turn off your water heater and un-plug your TV’s, PC’s, stove, microwave, and any other appliance which draws electricity while not in use.

Use a high energy efficient water heater. Don't let your tap water run for nothing - especially the hot water. The tap does not need to be constantly running while brushing teeth, shaving, etc. Shower instead of having a bath - believe it or not showers use less water especially with an efficient shower head.

Purchase products produced locally. Products produced locally don’t need to be shipped from abroad which means less emissions. Also by buying local your supporting local business, economy, and where food is concerned you're sure to get fresh.