Global concentrations of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere exceeded 400 parts per million in average per month last spring breaking a new absolute record and achieving a meaningful concentration level set by important scientists and policy makers. But carbon dioxide is not the only greenhouse gas that broke records last year; methane and nitrous oxide also reached major levels that show how concentrations are increasing with rising rates.

If greenhouse gas emissions keep escalating at this pace that could eventually lead to catastrophic consequences. If carbon dioxide levels reach 560 parts per million, that is double their preindustrial levels, the feedback loop would cause water vapor and clouds to increase atmospheric warming to a rate three times what gases can do by themselves. So going back to my last week blog were I talked about global warming and how the temperatures are rising at a really high pace, we would be contributing even more to climate change.

For this reason, seventeen notable New York City hotels have committed to getting greener. The hotels enrolled to this program have pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions from their buildings by thirty percent or more in the next ten years, helping significantly to cut down New York City’s overall emissions.I could experience that in a hotel in Lebanon, NH, a couple of weeks ago. The hotel, that had recently made a green commitment, incorporates eco-friendly materials and recycling practices in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

References:

• Fleur, N. (2015, November 10). Atmospheric Greenhouse Gas Levels Hit Record, Report Says. Retrieved February 01, 2016, from http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/11/science/atmospheric-greenhouse-gas-levels-hit-record-report-says.html?_r=0
• Fleur, N. (2015, November 10). Atmospheric Greenhouse Gas Levels Hit Record, Report Says. Retrieved February 01, 2016, from http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/11/science/atmospheric-greenhouse-gas-levels-hit-record-report-says.html?_r=0