The carbon problem

Human activities have significantly contributed to the rise in CO2 levels in the atmosphere, particularly since the Industrial Revolution. These activities include burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and various industrial processes.

Before the Industrial Revolution (circa 1750), atmospheric CO2 levels were relatively stable, averaging around 280 parts per million (ppm). The advent of industrialization brought about a significant increase in CO2 emissions due to the burning of fossil fuels and large-scale deforestation. As of 2023, CO2 levels have exceeded 420 ppm.

Ice core data, which provides a historical record of atmospheric CO2 levels, shows that current levels are unprecedented in at least the last 800,000 years. The data from these ice cores reveal that CO2 levels fluctuated between about 180 ppm during ice ages and 280 ppm during interglacial periods. The peak in CO2 levels in recent history is occurring now. Before the modern era, the highest levels recorded in ice core data were around 300 ppm during interglacial periods, but current levels of over 420 ppm are the highest in the past 800,000 years.