Atmospheric concentrations of CO2, 1975 - 2018
Over the past century, human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have led to a significant increase in CO2 levels. This rise is a key contributor to global warming and climate change.
The graph below created by Reddit user: JustGlowing shows atmospheric concentration of CO2 from 1975 to 2018.
Global annual mean carbon dioxide concentration has increased by more than 45 percent since the start of the Industrial Revolution, from 280 ppm during the 10 thousand years up to the mid-18th century to 410 ppm as of mid-2018. The present concentration is the highest in the last 800 thousand and possibly even the last 20 million years.
This elevation is concerning because CO2 acts as a heat-trapping gas, contributing to the greenhouse effect. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and other scientific organizations highlight the importance of limiting CO2 concentrations to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Efforts to monitor and control CO2 levels involve a global network of observatories, satellite measurements, and research programs. Scientists are working to understand the implications of elevated CO2 on climate patterns, sea levels, ecosystems, and weather events, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable practices to curb further increases and address the challenges posed by a changing climate.
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