Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Could Reach Its Highest Levels In 50 Million Years

Pine Bend Refinery in Rosemount, MN” by m01229 licensed under CC BY 2.0

Source: Washington Post

A new study published in the journal Nature Communications has found that before the Industrial Evolution began facilitating the burning of fossil fuels, Earth’s climate had remained relatively stable for millions of years.

However, if fossil fuel usage continues at its current rate, the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere could reach its highest concentration in 50 million years by the end of this century.

The new research underscores how human activity can heavily influence the Earth’s climate. Greenhouse gas emissions have led to the rapidly increasing CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere, whereas prior to the Industrial Revolution, the concentrations were steadily decreasing.

According to the study, scientists have found that the sun’s intensity has increased, which has subsequently contributed to global warming.

Read full story at: Washington Post

Environment, News
Environment, News