Pollution

Pollution has accompanied human activities since the beginning, when groups of people came together and remained in one place for a long time. At first, it was not a serious problem. However, with population growth, industrialization and burning fuels (wood, oil or gasoline), pollution has become a serious problem.

QuestionS and Answers

What is WMO doing to combat air pollution?

When pollution is released into the atmosphere, it may cause depletion of the ozone layer and changes in global climate. Therefore, measuring and understanding air pollution is very important. Global agreements have been established to limit air pollution and its effects on life and on the planet, as mentioned in the section about ozone for example. WMO provides observations and scientific analyses on these effects so that international agreements are based on the best scientific foundation. WMO also supports international and regional agreements that set limits for the amount of pollution each country is allowed to emit.

Is there more carbon dioxide in the athmosphere?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas. In 2009, there was about 38 per cent more CO2 in the atmosphere than in 1750 (industrial revolution). Global atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases have increased markedly as a result of human activities. The more CO2 we put into the air, the more temperatures could rise. Two major activities that increase CO2 are the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

Find out more about greenhouse gases and the ozone layer.

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