Increased level of Carbon Dioxide in Earth’s Atmosphere

Increased level of Carbon Dioxide in Earth’s Atmosphere

The present level of carbon dioxide (CO2) has become equal to the level of 40 million years ago.

Recently, the measurement of CO2 has been done at the Mauna Loa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory (MALABO), Hawaii. Its volume, according to its findings, had crossed the level of 421 parts per million (PPM) in May 2022.

MALABO is administered by the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). MALABO is a standard site for measuring CO2 on the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano.

Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano in the world.

Other gases measured include: carbon monoxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, etc.

The findings of the CO2 measured in MLABO this year:

  • 50% higher than the pre-industrial revolution level of 280 PPM (8 PPM higher from 2021).
  • This is roughly equivalent to the level of the Pliocene epoch from 41 to 45 million years ago.
  • At that time the temperature was 9 °C warmer than at present and the sea level was 5 to 25 meters higher. CO2 is a greenhouse gas. It holds the heat. This gradually leads to global warming.

Main anthropogenic reasons for CO2 emissions:

  • Combustion of fossil fuels (for transportation, energy production, etc.)
  • Deforestation, change in land use
  • Livestock etc.

Source – The Hindu

Download Our App

MORE CURRENT AFFAIRS

Share with Your Friends

Join Our Whatsapp Group For Daily, Weekly, Monthly Current Affairs Compilations

Related Articles

Youth Destination Facilities

Enroll Now For UPSC Course