Greenhouse Gas Index shows upwards trend

The annual Greenhouse Gas index, issues by the American organisation National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), showed an expected upward trend.

NOAA confirmed that carbon dioxide (CO2), which is trapped in the earth's atmosphere and causing global warming, had continued to rise during the last 12 months.

The Greenhouse Gas index measures the level of CO2 relative to 1990 levels.

Measurements showed that CO2 emissions had increased rapidly, while other greenhouse gases such as methane and chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) has actually declined during the period.

At the beginning of 2005, the global CO2 level stood at 376.8 parts per million (ppm). Just 12 months later this had increased to 378.9 ppm. Though this is a relative small increase, it is another upwards move - away from pre-industrial levels of 278 ppm.

From a scientific point of view, it is widely believed that unless carbon dioxide levels can be stabilised at 300 ppm, it will be impossible for humanity to control the problems caused by runaway global warming and climate change.