CO2 in atmosphere hits highest level ever in human history
- 5 years ago
WAIMEA, HAWAII — Scientists at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii have recorded the highest levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide ever in human history.
Increases in carbon dioxide concentration have caused rises in temperature during ice age cycles over the past million years or more, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
According to data from the observatory, CO2 concentration levels were recorded to be over 415 parts per million, or ppm.
The last time carbon dioxide concentration levels were this high was more than 3 million years ago, according to the NOAA.
Atmospheric carbon dioxide is currently increasing at a rate of 3 parts per million every year.
According to a report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global temperatures have already risen by approximately 1 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels due to human activity.
Eric Holthaus, a meteorologist who writes for climate change and social justice site Grist, tweeted his response to the report, saying: "This is the first time in human history our planet's atmosphere has had more than 415 ppm CO2."
"Not just in recorded history, not just since the invention of agriculture 10,000 years ago. Since before modern humans existed millions of years ago."
He added: "We don't know a planet like this."
Increases in carbon dioxide concentration have caused rises in temperature during ice age cycles over the past million years or more, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
According to data from the observatory, CO2 concentration levels were recorded to be over 415 parts per million, or ppm.
The last time carbon dioxide concentration levels were this high was more than 3 million years ago, according to the NOAA.
Atmospheric carbon dioxide is currently increasing at a rate of 3 parts per million every year.
According to a report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global temperatures have already risen by approximately 1 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels due to human activity.
Eric Holthaus, a meteorologist who writes for climate change and social justice site Grist, tweeted his response to the report, saying: "This is the first time in human history our planet's atmosphere has had more than 415 ppm CO2."
"Not just in recorded history, not just since the invention of agriculture 10,000 years ago. Since before modern humans existed millions of years ago."
He added: "We don't know a planet like this."