Antarctic wilderness at risk from climate change
Global carbon levels increase again
The latest data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) shows a significant rise in the concentration of CO2 found in samples of air taken
from all over the world.
The research by climate scientists shows that CO2 levels are now 381 parts per million (ppm), 100ppm above the pre-industrial average. In 2005 there was a rise of 2.6ppm, one of the largest
increases on record.
This confirms a worrying trend that in recent years have, on average, recorded double the rate of increase from just 30 years ago.
Climate change consensus grows
The report will forecast that a doubling of climate change gas concentrations would raise global temperatures by 2 – 4.5°C. The last IPCC report said that the rise could be as little as 1.5°C.
Climate scientists say there is uncertainty about the speed and scope of future change. They expect a doubling of CO2 levels from pre-industrial levels by the middle of this century, but they are
really worried because we are seeing major disruptions despite having increased CO2 levels by just 30 per cent.