1961: Keeling curve - The book of science

Keeling curve
Global warming
Peril
Commentary

Charles David Keeling atmospheric sciences

Keeling curve

Continuous measurements of carbon dioxide
from California, Antarctica, and Hawaii
show diurnal and seasonal variations
but also year-on-year increases
that match global consumption of fossil fuels.
Carbon-dioxide levels since World War II
far exceed any level shown in ice cores
from the last eight hundred thousand years.

Global warming

Greenhouse gases
Ocean acidification
Retreating glaciers
Rising seas
Extreme weather

Peril

Small-island nations are in peril.
Seas will rise and skies will dry up;
if people don’t drown
they will starve or die of thirst.

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report of Monday 8 October 2018 titled “Global Warming of 1.5 °C” warns of dire consequences if world governments do not begin immediately to cut CO₂ emissions. “Human activities are estimated to have caused approximately 1.0°C of global warming above pre-industrial levels, with a likely range of 0.8°C to 1.2°C. Global warming is likely to reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate. (high confidence).”