Reductions in the anthropogenic emissions of CO and their effect on CH4

Abstract

Using a time dependent chemical “112D” radiative convective model which treats the hemispheres separately but allows for exchange of trace gases between the hemispheres and heat transfer to the ocean, we show that observed reductions in global CO concentrations can cause a significant increase in mean tropospheric OH and a decrease in the methane growth rate. Because tropospheric ozone may also decrease, the result is a reduction in the rate of greenhouse warming. Reductions in anthropogenic CO emissions significantly counteract the growth of CH4 in the atmosphere. This possibility should be taken into account in international climate negotiations.