Beyond CO2: Other Greenhouse Gases Intensify Global Warming

Methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases reach record levels, exacerbating climate change.

The World Meteorological Organization reports that atmospheric concentrations of methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases hit new highs in 2023.
Methane, primarily from agriculture and fossil fuels, has a warming power over 80 times greater than CO2 over 20 years but dissipates faster.
Nitrous oxide, largely emitted by agricultural practices, is nearly 300 times more potent than CO2 and has increased by 30% in human-induced emissions over four decades.
Fluorinated gases, used in refrigeration and electrical equipment, have extremely high warming potential, with SF6 being 24,000 times more potent than CO2.
Efforts to mitigate these gases include reducing methane leaks and more efficient fertilizer use, alongside international agreements to phase out harmful fluorinated gases.