CO2 Levels In the Atmosphere Hit 'Depressing' New Record
Slashdot • • science
Key Points:
- Atmospheric carbon dioxide reached a new record high of approximately 431 parts per million (ppm) in April at NOAA's Mauna Loa Observatory, up from under 320 ppm in 1958.
- Climate scientist Zachary Labe describes the increase as "depressing" but expected, highlighting that CO2 levels peak in April due to decaying plants releasing greenhouse gases after winter.
- Although U.S. emissions decreased in 2023 and 2024, they rose again in 2025, partly due to higher electricity demand from artificial intelligence data centers.
- Despite the rising CO2 levels, there is cautious optimism as renewable energy sources like solar and wind continue to expand, potentially helping to mitigate future emissions.
