HAWAII: The global carbon dioxide level has reached an alarming all time high by surpassing 415 parts per million (ppm) for the first time since Carbon Dioxide emissions have been recorded. The level was recorded by Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii on May 11, and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography reported the observation via a tweet. The reading of 415.26 ppm topped the previous record of 415 ppm.
A study carried out in April this year used computer models to confirm that CO2 levels today are the highest in 800,000 years. The study also pointed out the current condition of the CO2 emission could be attributed to fossil fuel combustion, without which the levels would be as low as 280 ppm.
The C02 levels recorded at the Mauna Loa observatory reached 410 ppm for the first time in May of 2018, USA Today reported. “The average growth rate is remaining on the high end,” said Ralph Keeling, the director of the Scripps CO2 program, in a statement reported by The Independent. “The increase from last year will probably be around three parts per million whereas the recent average has been 2.5 ppm. It’s likely we’re seeing the effect of mild El Niño conditions on top of ongoing fossil fuel use.”