Global warming is a speeding breakdown of major greenhouse gas climate change is causing nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas .Climate change is accelerating the breakdown of nitrous oxide, a major greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting substance, in the atmosphere.
A potent greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting substance, to break down in the atmosphere 1.4% faster per decade. Using two decades of satellite data (2004–2024), scientists found that shifting stratospheric circulation and temperatures are reducing the N2O cap N sub 2 cap O π2 π lifetime, adding significant uncertainty to 21st-century climate projections. Key findings from the UC Irvine study: Faster Breakdown: - The atmospheric lifetime of nitrous oxide is decreasing, meaning it breaks down faster due to global warming. Satellite Evidence: - Data from NASA's Microwave Limb Sounder shows this trend over the past 20 years. Climate Impact: - This acceleration in N 2O:cap N sub 2 cap Oπ 2π breakdown is a previously overlooked feedback mechanism, which has an impact on global climate projections comparable to different emission scenarios. Ozone Effect: - Changes in the lifetime of N2O cap N sub 2 cap Oπ 2π directly affect the atmospheric ozone layer. Signi...