Current increase in CO2 exceeds that of the last ice age

Since 1958, the CO concentration₂ in the atmosphere is measured by the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii. Each year, new measurements show that, despite all the commitments made during the last COPs, the CO rate₂ keeps climbing. There are small monthly and seasonal variations (in particular linked to the growing season of plants), but the orientation of the curve is clear.

The current increase in CO2 is the highest in 20,000 years

NASA monitors the evolution of CO₂ thanks to its satellite tools. By using a visualization technique originally created for cinema special effects, the American organization was able to show in animation the broadcastsbroadcasts de CO₂ across the globe, with variations depending on industrial zones, city pollution, forest fires or even plant respiration.

The evolution of CO2 over the course of a year on Earth. © NASA

The Earth has already experienced periods in its history during which CO₂ was very high, but the vitessevitesse of its increase has been exceptional for 150 years: the increase in CO₂ current and even faster than the last major natural increase in CO₂during the last ice age 20,000 years ago.

After reaching an all-time high in May and June 2024 with 426.90 ppmppmthe rate fell slightly to 422.38 ppm during the last measurement in mid-October. Overall, the global concentration of CO₂ increased by 50% compared to the industrial era (1850-1900) and 150% compared to 1750.