Green
group Friends of the Earth has responded to reports earlier in the week claiming
that emissions of the key global warming gas carbon dioxide (co2) have
increased, by calling for immediate government action on the issue.Scientific studies at a Hawaiian observatory which have been ongoing for almost 50 years, revealed the unexpected jump on Monday, showing that co2 emissions in 2002 and 2003 averaged at 2 parts per million (ppm), up from just 1.5ppm in previous decades. The unprecedented increase shocked scientists, and has been noted in some quarters as proof of runaway global warming.
Climate change has been highlighted by the UK Government as a priority area, while Russia recently committed itself to the Kyoto Protocol.
"A rise in the annual rate to above two parts per million for two consecutive years is worrying,” said FoE Scotland’s Duncan McLaren. “The world can only hope that these figures are an anomaly and not a real trend. However, instead of just keeping fingers crossed these findings should send an urgent reminder to governments everywhere of the urgent need to tackle the growing threat of climate change.”