• Carbon dioxide levels

Carbon dioxide levels

CO2 levels have not been this high for 800 000 years

Carbon dioxide or CO2 is a powerful greenhouse gas and its concentration in the atmosphere is strongly correlated with the Earth’s global temperature. We are now experiencing the highest levels of CO2 in millions of years affecting our planet global climate system. This is damaging all life on Earth, causing huge climate disruption, rising sea levels, inhospitable and extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, biodiversity extinction and potentially the collapse of our civilisation as we know it.


CO2 fluctuation

CO2 levels in our atmosphere are not constant throughout the year, or indeed, throughout the day. During the day the level decreases due to photosynthesis, whereas during the night, this level increases. Furthermore, CO2 levels fluctuate depending on the seasons and months. This is due to the fact that the northern hemisphere homes more plants than its southern counterpart. Months that signal the end of the growing season such as October when plants reach the end of their cycles and begin to decay thus releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere, have lower atmospheric levels of CO2 than months such as May and June.

CO2 balance

A common misconception is that greenhouse gases, and indeed, CO2, are intrinsically bad for the atmosphere. However, our greenhouse gases are fundamental to life on Earth because they enable the planet to heat up to a temperature that sustains life but there needs to be a balance and too much CO2 leads to the greenhouse effect. This process, if allowed to continue, heats up the surface of the planet to a point where it can no longer function as it should. This global heating drastically increases the likelihood of extreme weather events such as storms, wildfires, flooding and drought. If allowed to continue at the current rate, an irreversible chain of events will be triggered that speed up the process to a point of no return.
More information on the importance of maintaining the natural balance of greenhouse gases is provided in our Importance of greenhouse gases factsheet.

Keeling curve

Charles Keeling, who introduced the Keeling Curve, allowed for the measurement of CO2 levels as far back as 800 thousand years ago. These levels of CO2 have always varied between 170 PPM* to 300 PPM, never exceeding this limit. The Keeling Curve demonstrates that since the industrial revolution, CO2 levels have steadily increased and are since 2018, have reached a level of over 410 PPM.

Challenges

Despite the negative focus on CO2, appropriate levels of carbon dioxide, alongside warmth and moisture, allow life to flourish on Earth. The problems begin when the levels of CO2 exceed acceptable levels. One of the main causes of CO2 increase in our atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels. Did you know that around 40 billion tonnes of CO2 are released into the atmosphere each year due to the burning of fossil fuels?

Solutions

While some measures are being taken to keep the level of warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial times so as not to trigger irreversible damage, much more still needs to be done if we are to meet this target.

What we can do

In order for widespread change to occur, global governments need to get involved and recognise that all aspects of everyday life need to take sustainability into account including:

  1. Put in place environmental policies, legislations and regulations. Enforce them.
  2. Build sustainable infrastructure and retrofitting of existing infrastructure to be more environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
  3. Phase out of fossil fuels and increasing reliance on renewable energy such as wind and solar.
  4. Engage in reforestation efforts initiatives in parallel with fossil fuel reduction because forests take decades to mature. Unfortunately, with rising temperatures, the land available for reforestation efforts greatly reduces due to the climate being too hot to sustain some forests.

What I can do

The government is integral to mitigating the risks of climate change, however, the burden is also shared by individuals. Here are some considerations for doing their part:

  1. Write to your MP (Member of Parliament) or any government representative.
  2. Eat less meat, especially red meat. Did you know that even something as small as choosing to eat chicken over beef could cut your carbon footprint in half? The animal agriculture industry is responsible for ¼ of all carbon emissions.
  3. Reduce the amount you consume. Over-consumption is incredibly unsustainable and reinforces the linear economy. Instead, work towards a circular economy.
  4. Make sure your home is well insulated and use energy saving appliances.
  5. Consider which form of transport you use. Maybe opt for cycling or using public transport instead of driving.
  6. Cut down on international flights!

* CO2 represents only a tiny fraction of the air in the atmosphere. The unit measure is PPM (part per million).
For instance, 300 PPM means 0,03% concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Goal 1 - No Poverty Goal 2 - Zero Hunger Goal 3 - Good Health and Well-Being Goal 4 - Quality Education Goal 5 - Gender Equality Goal 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation Goal 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy Goal 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth Goal 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Goal 10 - Reduced Inequalities Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production Goal 13 - Climate Action Goal 14 - Life Below Water Goal 15 - Life on Land Goal 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Goal 17 - Partnerships

Tags: A1, A16, CO2 evolution, GHG

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