An increase of greenhouse gas concentrations leads on average to an additional warming of the atmosphere and the Earth's surface. Atmospheric concentrations of CO2, CH4, and N2O are key indicators in formulating policies for mitigating the effects of climate change. Because the infrared absorption properties of the greenhouse gases and their role in determining global climate are well understood, it is certain that the CO2 increase will alter the radiative forcing of the climate system. The ongoing measurements will provide a better understanding of the natural carbon cycle and thus serve as an indicator in the formulation of rational and informed policies concerning climate change and possible mitigation strategies. The growth of methane over the past few years has slowed, probably due to a change in the anthropogenic source.
Increased methane affects the Earth's radiation balance and the chemistry of the atmosphere.
Atmospheric Concentration Of Ozone Gradual destruction of stratospheric ozone, which is attributed to the buildup of man-made compounds that deplete the ozone layer, continued during 1994. According to an executive summary of the 1994 Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion released jointly by the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environmental Program, the rate of ozone destruction is expected to peak during the next few years and to begin decreasing early in the twenty-first century. Little negative trend in ozone is observed in the Tropics. Response indicators on climate change can be developed by collating and evaluating the implementation of FCCC by the COPs as a measure to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions. This indicator is the basic measurement for assessing the national performance of greenhouse abatement measures.