Conservation Actions

A great deal of focus is given to CO2 emissions and their role in the greenhouse effect, however the public is less aware of other powerful greenhouse gases.  Atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) concentrations have been rising since the Industrial Revolution due to anthropogenic activities. It is estimated that N2O accounts for 6% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Due to its atmospheric lifetime of approximately 120 years combined with its heat-trapping effects,  N2O has approximately 310 times more warming power than CO2 on a per molecule basis.

In September 2000 147 heads of State met at the United Nations to discuss the question of pervasive poverty and lack of development.  This summit produced the United Nations Millennium Declaration, laying out eight goals to free the human race from want.  Not surprisingly, among these eight is the goal of environmental sustainability, and one of the key targets listed is to reverse the loss of environmental resources, measured by areas protected to maintain biological diversity.