The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased by more than 50% since the beginning of the industrial age. This increase is worrying, as it contributes to global warming and climate change.
At NOAA’s global observatory in Hawaii, a worrying increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels was recorded during the month of May. Reaching an all-time high of 424 parts per million, these levels have not been seen for millions of years.
Measurements of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere obtained by NOAA’s Global Monitoring Laboratory show the month of the year in which it peaks in the Northern Hemisphere. Compared to May 2022, this 3.0 ppm increase in the peak of the Keeling curve is significant. In fact, this is the fourth largest annual increase recorded by NOAA to date. This indicates a worrying increase in CO2 levels in our atmosphere.
Scientists at the Scripps Oceanographic Institution performed an independent calculation and concluded that the monthly average ppm in May was 423.78. This represents an increase of 3.0 ppm compared to the average recorded in May last year, in 2022.
Carbon dioxide levels are now over 50% higher than before the start of the industrial age
“Each year we see increasing levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere as a direct result of human activity“said the NOAA administrator, Rick Spinrad.
“We see the impacts of climate change on heat waves, droughts, floods, wildfires and storms that happen around us. While we will have to adapt to climate impacts that we cannot avoid, we must do everything we can to reduce carbon pollution and protect this planet and the life that calls it home.”
How CO2 pollution is generated
Carbon dioxide is a type of pollutant caused by various human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels for transportation and electricity generation, cement manufacturing, deforestation and agricultural practices, among others. Like other greenhouse gases, it has the ability to retain the heat given off by the Earth’s surface. This causes an increase in extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts and wildfires, as well as heavy rainfall and flooding.
Alert for the oceans
Rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere pose a risk to oceans around the world, as they absorb both carbon dioxide and excess heat. The impacts of climate change on the oceans are significant and include rising temperatures both above and below ground, as well as altering marine ecosystems. In addition, sea level rise and ocean acidification have been observed, which alters the chemistry of seawater, leading to a decrease in dissolved oxygen and interfering with the growth of some marine organisms.
In the current year, NOAA took measurements from a temporary sampling site located on top of Mauna Kea volcano. This decision was made due to lava flows that blocked access to the Mauna Loa observatory in November 2022.
In May, Scripps measurements were taken at Mauna Loa. This was after NOAA personnel replaced the solar and battery system on a Scripps instrument in March.
NOAA’s Global Monitoring Laboratory uses data from Mauna Loa and other stations around the world to feed the Global Greenhouse Gas Reference Network. This network plays a crucial role in monitoring and understanding climate change. This research dataset is crucial for climate scientists internationally and serves as an important reference for policymakers seeking to address the causes and impacts of climate change.
During the month of May, Scripps collected daily samples on Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
This month is important because this is when CO2 levels in the Northern Hemisphere reach their highest point of the year. The last CO2 reading recorded by Scripps at the Mauna Kea Observatory in May was 423.83 ppm, which is very similar to the Mauna Loa Observatory reading of 423.78 ppm.
The Mauna Loa observatory is located at an altitude of 3,395 meters above sea level, while the Mauna Kea sampling site is located slightly higher at an altitude of 4,145 meters. Scientists have the ability to take samples from the air without local pollution or vegetation affecting the results. These measurements represent the average state of the atmosphere in the northern hemisphere of both locations, which is very useful for obtaining accurate data on air quality.
With information from ambito.com