Climate Facts: CO2 accumulating rapidly in atmosphere, says NAOO

The complexities of climate change and its associated jargon can prove difficult to digest. TheCable’s climate quick facts will help to demystify these climate concepts through easy-to-understand and straight-to-the-point explanations.

Here are some to keep at the tip of your fingers:

The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NAOO) says there is a rapid accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, more than ever.

The organisation said the gas is accelerating at a level above any experienced during human existence.

The United Nations Trade and Development (UNITAD) says Small Island Developing States (SIDS) lose over two percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) annually due to climate change.

UNITAD said between 1970 and 2020, SIDS lost $153 billion due to weather and climate-related disasters—more than ten times their average GDP of $13.7 billion.

The organisation noted that the number of climate-related disasters that strike SIDS annually has doubled from 10 to 20 over the last two decades.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says more than 90 percent of people breathe unhealthy air from the burning of fossil fuels, which causes climate change.

WHO said targeted action on short-lived climate pollutants will save 2 million lives each year.