World CO2 levels at record high, scientists warn

[gulfcoastliberal]

Source: Guardian

The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has reached a record high, according to new figures that renew fears that climate change could begin to slide out of control.

Scientists at the Mauna Loa observatory in Hawaii say that CO2 levels in the atmosphere now stand at 387 parts per million (ppm), up almost 40% since the industrial revolution and the highest for at least the last 650,000 years.

The figures, published by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on its website, also confirm that carbon dioxide, the chief greenhouse gas, is accumulating in the atmosphere faster than expected. The annual mean growth rate for 2007 was 2.14ppm – the fourth year in the past six to see an annual rise greater than 2ppm. From 1970 to 2000, the concentration rose by about 1.5ppm each year, but since 2000 the annual rise has leapt to an average 2.1ppm.

Scientists say the shift could indicate that the Earth is losing its natural ability to soak up billions of tons of carbon each year. Climate models assume that about half our future emissions will be re-absorbed by forests and oceans, but the new figures confirm this may be too optimistic. If more of our carbon pollution stays in the atmosphere, it means emissions will have to be cut by more than currently projected to prevent dangerous levels of global warming.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/may/12/climatechange.carbonemissions

[kestrel91316]

1. This is ok because CO2 isn't a greenhouse gas. Either that, or

the greenhouse effect doesn't exist.

I forget which RW talking point is correct.

:sarcasm:

[ronnie624]

4. Either one will work.

I've heard both from the numskulls I see on a regular basis.

[Winterblues]

8. Let them eat rice........D'Oh

:shrug:

[ronnie624]

2. Frightening.

I wonder what percentage of concentrations of greenhouse gases would be required for the atmosphere to begin heating to say, 140, 150, or 160 degrees.

It isn't hard to predict what one of the results of that would be.

[jonnyra]

3. I think any patriotic red blooded American

will agree that oil and coal company profits are of a higher priority than saving the planet and every living thing on it from a catstrophic man made disaster. Our childrens future dont mean shit next to profits...that is the American way under the republicans.

[Teaser]

5. when aren't they at a record high, though?

It's pretty much been a straight ramping up for decades now, except for variations on a very small time scale.

[lovuian]

6. I love it when the naysayers say this is a normal

phenomenon when its NOT

[Overseas]

7. Jimmy Carter and his damn sweaters and solar panels were ridiculed

Thom Hartmann was recalling Carter's goal of reducing U.S. oil consumption dramatically by the year 2000. It was sad to remember that. And sometimes I feel odd when I recall those earlier goals -- was I just dreaming all that? But Carter was parodied as a wimp, and bold headlines on the daily paper shouted how long our hostages had been held in Iran. (Where are the "Osama at large # days" headlines?)Then Reagan did an arms deal to have the release delayed so he could rule as directed by our Corporatocracy-- bust the damn unions, rip out those solar panels, and keep that oil chugging.

[Pastiche423]

9. Jimmy Carter and his damn sweaters

were the beginning of the journey I have been on, to try to be kinder to Mother Earth.

Driving only economical cars (no gas guzzlers), recycling, turning down the inside temp and wearing warmer clothes inside, not littering, have been a few of the things I have done for the past thirty years since listening to Jimmy Carter while he was wearing those damn sweaters in the White House.

[slackmaster]

10. The Earth will figure out a way to absorb the surplus

It won't be pleasant. The climate in the Mesozoic was great for insects and reptiles. It would have been miserable for humans, but a lot of carbon got socked away.