Earth's atmosphere just crossed another troubling climate change threshold: 411.24 ppm

[ffr]

For the first time since humans have been monitoring, atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide have exceeded 410 parts per million averaged across an entire month, a threshold that pushes the planet ever closer to warming beyond levels that scientists and the international community have deemed “safe.”

The reading from the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii finds that concentrations of the climate-warming gas averaged above 410 parts per million throughout April. The first time readings crossed 410 at all occurred on April 18, 2017, or just about a year ago.

Carbon dioxide concentrations — whose “greenhouse gas effect” traps heat and drives climate change — were around 280 parts per million circa 1880, at the dawn of the industrial revolution. They’re now 46 percent higher. - WaPo

[madinmaryland]

1. I wonder if it is possible to determine the co2

Concentrations in glaciers and other ice floes.

Just kind of curious what the levels were like over the last 10,000 years.

Regardless, that is an astonishing increase in just 60 years.

[Blues Heron]

3. good graph here

https://climate.nasa.gov/climate_resources/24/graphic-the-relentless-rise-of-carbon-dioxide/

[madinmaryland]

4. Thanks. That's what I was looking for.

[misanthrope]

5. Also, it's possible to determine the source of the CO2 from carbon isotopes

Examining those ratios along with tree ring data and the aforementioned glacial bubble examinations have given us a pretty good picture of what's happening.

[elocs]

2. I am pessimistic concerning the nations of the world being able to address climate change.

There is too much denial and too little will be done too late and there really is no adequate preparation to deal with the consequences of global climate change. Not only do tens of millions of people right here in the U.S. deny it is happening, but there are billions of people in the world in developing countries who are now getting a chance to have the life that Americans have, with everything about it that contributes to climate change, who will not accept the "too bad, so sad, we've got ours but it's too late for you" answer.
The wolf is at the door and yet nothing will be done until the wolf is in the room. And how many will die then.
Yep, it will be TEOTWAWKI.

[misanthrope]

6. Sadly, I agree

The latter half of this century is going to be horrific. The depletion of resources and resulting wars, the onrushing Anthropocene extinction event, the resulting environmental cascade. I pity children being born now for what they will witness in their lives.

[elocs]

8. "The latter half of this century is going to be horrific." I don't anticipate being alive then. n/t

[B2G]

7. Question

I read on CNN today that earthquake activity has really been ramping up and there's a possibility of another eruption.

What impact is there to these readings? Wouldn't an area with active volcanic activity have higher CO2 readings?

[misanthrope]

9. It could although these readings are normally averaged out from various locales

Also, the sulfur added to the air from the volcanic activity reflects light/heat, too.

[B2G]

11. Thanks. Not sure what locales are included

From that observatory. It seems this is April data. Will be interesting to see if the trend continues there at at other locations.

[Achilleaze]

10. republican lies about this are dangerous for America

and all Americans. The republicans really need to stop lying, and let people go forward wtih positive proactive solutions that create jobs and make our lives safer.