Ppm Levels Reach 400 in the Arctic

The article “Greenhouse gas levels pass symbolic 400ppm CO2 milestone” from the online news source The Guardian, discusses the dangerous rising ppm levels in the Arctic. In 2007, “350” gained fame as the “safe” level of ppm for carbon dioxide on the earth. This measure was passed years ago and has risen to the shocking amount of 395ppm globally. Monitoring stations in the Arctic recorded that the ppm levels there have reached 400. The article declares that while this level is currently only in the arctic,  “…the rest of the world will follow soon.” This is a reminder of the trouble our planet is in, and the reason behind these skyrocketing levels. “Before the industrial age, levels were around 275ppm.” This is not an easy fix, due to the fact that carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for 100 years, and the levels are continuing to rise. While some of the carbon dioxide is natural, humans are the main source of increasing carbon dioxide levels with “…emissions from fossil fuels hit[ting] a record high of 34.8 billion tonnes in 2011…” To repair the damage from human fossil fuels, Europe set a goal of limiting global warming to just 2 degrees, however, the International Energy Agency said it’s unlikely the world will be able to accomplish this goal.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jun/01/record-greenhouse-gas-trouble-scientists