CO₂ in the earth’s atmosphere

Atmospheric CO₂ describes the total amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere, including natural and human-made emissions. Over the past 800’000 years, CO₂ concentrations have risen above 300 ppm (part per million, equivalent to one millionth) – until industrialization. Since then, the CO₂ concentration has risen rapidly and currently stands at 422 ppm.

Atmospheric CO₂ influences the climate through the greenhouse effect and leads to acidification of the ocean due to its solubility.

Graphics: CO₂ concentration over the last 800,000 years (NASA)




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