CO2 Now

The world's most current data for atmospheric CO2 is from measurements at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii. These high-precision measurements were started by Dave Keeling (shown in the photo) in March 1958.

Today, the monthly average concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within a week after each month ends.  The source data is organized into a table and republished here at CO2Now.org so more people can see the latest CO2 level and the important CO2 trend.  The table includes the full Mauna Loa instrument record for atmospheric CO2.

This article is about humanity’s three great carbon crises: global warming, climate change and ocean acidification.  It identifies a concrete, directional target for atmospheric CO2 that can end the carbon crises, along with concrete carbon emissions targets for getting us there.   These targets are presented in the context of the limited time for reaching the targets.  Readers are encouraged to use the links that are embedded in this article.   

Earth is becoming a tougher place to thrive and survive.  The planet’s self-regulating systems are being altered.  With a less stable environment, Earth is losing many living species and its ability to supply the world economy with basic goods and services.

The main driver behind these changes is carbon emissions.  Mostly they are produced as humans burn fossil fuel  for energy.   Carbon emissions have been high enough to boost  the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere to present day levels of roughly 390 parts per million.  This is about 30% higher than atmospheric CO2 levels for at least 800,000 years  before the industrial revolution.   

In 2010, the average monthly concentration for atmospheric CO2 (Mauna Loa Observatory) is about 389 parts per million (ppm).   This is based on preliminary data for a minimum of three quarters in 2010.  In 2009, it was 387.35 ppm. 

Since the 1958 start of precision CO2 measurements in the atmosphere, the annual mean concentration of CO2 has only increased from one year to the next.   There have been no decreases in annual CO2 levels since direct instrument measurements began.  The CO2 data below provides a simple overview of the annual trend. 

Carbon Budget 2008

The Global Carbon Project (GCP) released Carbon Budget 2008 in November 2009.  This 2008 update of the global carbon budget and trends was published in Nature Geoscience.

The 2008 Carbon Budget shows that carbon dioxide emissions from human activities rose ~2 per cent in 2008 to an all-time high of 1.3 tonnes of carbon per capita per year.  GCP scientists say that rising emissions from fossil fuels last year were caused mainly by increased use of coal but there were minor decreases in emissions from oil and deforestation. The GCP also estimates that the growth in emissions from developing countries increased in part due to the production of manufactured goods consumed in developing countries.  

>>>> More about the Global Carbon Budget

Earth more sensitive to CO₂ than previously thought

December 7, 2009  SCIENCE DAILY  – In the long term, the Earth's temperature may be 30-50% more sensitive to atmospheric carbon dioxide than has previously been estimated, reports a new study published in Nature Geoscience.  Alan Haywood, a co-author on the study from the University of Leeds, said "If we want to avoid dangerous climate change, this high sensitivity of the Earth to carbon dioxide should be taken into account when defining targets for the long-term stabilisation of atmospheric greenhouse-gas concentrations."  >>>> Read the full article in Science Daily.

Science Daily  |   Earth more sensitive to carbon dioxide than previously thought

Journal Reference  |  Daniel J. Lunt, Alan M. Haywood, Gavin A. Schmidt, Ulrich Salzmann, Paul J. Valdes and Harry J. Dowsett. Earth system sensitivity inferred from Pliocene modelling and data. Nature Geoscience, 6 December 2009.

By Michael McGee

In this photo, you are looking at the solar panels that power the CO2Now.org website.  The panels take the sun's energy and create the electricity that powers the web servers inside the AISO data center that is visible behind the panels.   Energy is also stored in batteries so the electrical power is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.