Carbon dioxide reaches highest levels in 650,000 years

by Rich Bowden - May 13 2008, 23:49

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has published data on its website showing the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide is at its highest level for 650,000 years.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released figures showing the level of atmospheric CO2 to have increased by 40 percent since the Industrial Revolution. Image: Pollution

Based on research at the Mauna Loa observatory in Hawaii, the data shows levels to have reached 387 parts per million (ppm), an increase of almost 40% since the Industrial Revolution.The scientists at the observatory say the chief cause for alarm is the acceleration of carbon in the atmosphere in recent years. Between 1970 to 2000, the concentration rose by about 1.5ppm each year, but since 2000 the annual rise has jumped to an average 2.1ppm. Researchers say the increase may indicate the Earth is losing its natural ability to absorb excessive levels of CO2.The widespread clearing of the world's forests, which act as carbon absorbers, may be affecting the planet's ability to soak up excess CO2 scientists say."Despite all the talk, the situation is getting worse," said Martin Parry, co-chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's working group on greenhouse impacts. "Levels of greenhouse gases continue to rise in the atmosphere and the rate of that rise is accelerating. We are already seeing the impacts of climate change and the scale of those impacts will also accelerate, until we decide to do something about it."Greenpeace climate change campaigner Robin Oakley said: "We're now witnessing a key moment in the climate change story and it's not good news. The last time the atmosphere was this choked with CO2, humans were yet to evolve as a species.""To even consider building new runways and coal-fired power stations at this juncture in history is an unpardonable folly, ...in the face of the science and widespread public opposition," he added.

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Dr ColesMay 14th, 2008 - 19:31:00

To base an article on the assumption that it is a fact is political propaganda. We have Over 400 World Wide Prominent Scientists Dispute Man-Made Global Warming Claims in 2007. CO2 is not toxic, we all exhale CO2 in fact all life on this planet is carbon based. CONSENSUS is NEVER science it’s always a POLITICAL STATEMENT (a Party Line). InteliOrg

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Indian PeopleMay 15th, 2008 - 07:34:35

People in US and western world will have to stop using their gas guzzeling SUV's and cars. Use public transport. Stop using worlds natural resources as if you own all the natural resources.
Stop using corn to produce Ethanol ... That same corn can feed people in asia and Africa and same million lives.

Think ethically. Life is at stake on this beautiful planet 'earth'...

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SatishMay 16th, 2008 - 01:45:38

We are neither sure if current levels of CO2 is higest in last 650000 years, and also we are not sure if man is the cause for current situation. But we can take risk of ignoring the issue completely. Imagine what will happen if these predictions turns out to be true. There could be no point of return.

It will make sense to take Global warming seriously and take measures to curb carbon production, going GREEN in our regular activities, focusing on controlling human population( Educating people on current world issues and asking them keep small families).

When we work together as citizens of Earth, we may be able to provide better solutions.

WIth Best Wishes.

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