Are greenhouse gases increasing?
Human activity has been increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (mostly carbon dioxide from combustion of coal, oil, and gas; plus a few other trace gases). There is no scientific debate on this point. Pre-industrial levels of carbon dioxide (prior to the start of the Industrial Revolution) were about 280 parts per million by volume (ppmv), and current levels are about 370 ppmv. The concentration of CO2 in our atmosphere today, has not been exceeded in the last 420,000 years, and likely not in the last 20 million years. According to the IPCC Special Report on Emission Scenarios (SRES), by the end of the 21st century, we could expect to see carbon dioxide concentrations of anywhere from 490 to 1260 ppm (75-350% above the pre-industrial concentration).
Human activity has been increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (mostly carbon dioxide from combustion of coal, oil, and gas; plus a few other trace gases). There is no scientific debate on this point. Pre-industrial levels of carbon dioxide (prior to the start of the Industrial Revolution) were about 280 parts per million by volume (ppmv), and current levels are greater than 380 ppmv and increasing at a rate of 1.9 ppm yr-1 since 2000. The global concentration of CO2 in our atmosphere today far exceeds the natural range over the last 650,000 years of 180 to 300 ppmv. According to the IPCC Special Report on Emission Scenarios (SRES), by the end of the 21st century, we could expect to see carbon dioxide concentrations of anywhere from 490 to 1260 ppm (75-350% above the pre-industrial concentration).
Many people wonder if our greenhouse gases are actually increasing. Studies have down there is a significant increase in the amount of greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere. How Do We Contribute to Greenhouse Gases? What do we as humans do to increase greenhouse gases? Our human activity has been adding to greenhouse gases for some time now. The main ways we do this are with carbon dioxide from the combustion of oil, coal and gas. However, there are other products and materials we use which can contribute to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. When you learn more about what these are, you can take proper steps to prevent yourself from being a contributor. Is the Climate Warming? Yes, our climate is warming. Studies have shown an increase in 1 degree F over the past 100 years and this is predicted to continue to rise. Even such a small change in climate temperature can have a large and lasting effect on our planet. Is the Sea Level Rising? Yes, studies have shown that glob
