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Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations (CSI 013) - Assessment published Jan 2013
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The global average concentrations of various greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have reached the highest levels ever recorded, and concentrations are increasing. The combustion of fossil fuels from human activities and land-use changes are largely responsible for this increase.
The concentration of all GHGs, including cooling aerosols that are relevant in the context of the 2 o C temperature target, reached a value of 403 ppm CO 2 equivalents in 2010, exceeding the 400 ppm for first time.
The concentration in 2010 of the six greenhouse gases (GHG) included in the Kyoto Protocol has reached 444 ppm CO 2 equivalent, an increase of 165 ppm (around +60 %) compared to pre-industrial levels.
The concentration of CO 2 , the most important greenhouse gas, reached a level of 389 ppm by 2010, and further increased to 391 ppm in 2011. This is an increase of approximately 112 ppm (around +40 %) compared to pre-industrial levels.
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Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations
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Atmospheric concentration of Nitrous Oxide (ppb)
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The figure shows the global atmospheric concentration of nitrous oxide up to 2010.
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Atmospheric concentration of Methane (ppb)
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The figure shows the global atmospheric concentration of methane up to 2010.
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Atmospheric concentration of Carbon Dioxide (ppm)
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The figure shows the global atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide up to 2010. The value for 2011 is 390.9 ppm but is not included in the chart to ensure consistency with the other greenhouse gas figures.
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Contribution of the different GHGs to the overall greenhouse gas concentration in 1950, 1990 and 2010
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Contribution of the different GHGs as included in the Kyoto and Montreal protocol to the overall greenhouse gas concentration in 1950, 1990 and 2010.
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Observed trends in total global greenhouse concentrations, considering all greenhouse gases (incl. aerosols) for 1970-2010
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The figure shows the total global concentration of Kyoto protocol Gases (KPG), gases under the Montreal Protocol (MPG) and non-protocol related gases (NPG). NPGs contribute negatively, as they have an overall cooling effect, whereas the other gases contribute positively.
The threshold concentration range is based on a 50% probability of exceeding 2 degree Celsius temperature increase, given different models and scenarios.
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Progress to greenhouse gas emission targets (CSI 011) - Assessment published Oct 2012
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At the end of 2011, almost all European countries were on track towards their Kyoto targets for 2008–2012. The EU‑15 is on track towards this 8 % reduction target, compared to base-year levels under the Kyoto Protocol.
Projections from EU Member States indicate that their emissions outside the EU ETS will be lower than their national targets set under the Climate and Energy Package. Total EU emissions are projected to fall slightly until 2020. With the current set of national domestic measures in place, Member States are expected to reach a level in 2020 which is 19 % below 1990 levels and close to the 20 % reduction target.
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Progress to greenhouse gas emission targets
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Absolute and relative gaps between average 2008–2011 non‑ETS emissions and Kyoto target for non‑ETS sectors
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* 'EU‑15 (no overachievement)' corresponds to the situation of the EU‑15 where all surplus Kyoto units from target overachievement in the EU‑15 are not taken into account, to reflect the possibility that Member States with a surplus could use any remaining allowances for their own purposes and not necessarily make them available to compensate for Member States with a shortfall.
Subsequent to the effect of allocation of allowances to the EU ETS, the target and annual emissions are those of the sectors not covered by the EU ETS. The target for non-ETS sectors corresponds to the difference between the initial permissible emissions and the amount of allowances allocated under the EU ETS.
A positive value indicates a country for which average 2008–2011 non‑ETS emissions were lower than the annual target.
The assessment is based on average 2008–2011 emissions and the planned use of flexible mechanisms, as well as the expected effect of LULUCF activities.
EU‑15 values are the sum of the gaps/surplus for the 15 EU Member States party to Burden-Sharing Agreement.
For Croatia, Iceland and Switzerland, total emissions are used as they have currently no installations under the EU ETS.
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Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations (CSI 013) - Assessment published Jan 2012
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The global average concentrations of various greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have reached the highest levels ever recorded, and concentrations continue to increase. The combustion of fossil fuels from human activities and land-use changes are largely responsible for this increase.
The concentration of all GHGs, including cooling aerosols that are relevant in the context of the 2 o C temperature target, reached a value of 399 ppm CO 2 equivalents in 2009.
The concentration in 2009 of the six greenhouse gases (GHG) included in the Kyoto Protocol has reached 439 ppm CO 2 equivalent, an increase of 160 ppm (around +58%) compared to pre-industrial levels.
The concentration of CO 2 , the most important greenhouse gas, reached a level of 386 ppm by 2009, and further increased to 389 ppm in 2010. This is an increase of approximately 110 ppm (around +39%) compared to pre-industrial levels.
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Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations
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Radiative forcing of climate between 1750 and 2005
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Summary of radiative forcing of different GHGs. The values represent the forcings in 2005 relative to the start of the industrial era (about 1750).
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