Slide 3 of 30
Notes:
This graph shows the a typical record of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. It is taken from continuous measurements pioneered in 1958 by David Keeling, who invented an new instrument for the purpose, and almost single handed convinced the world. It shows two quite distinct features: (i) an annual oscillation, which is a sign of the plants in the Northern Hemisphere breathing, and (ii) an accelerating rise from year to year, which is due to the burning of coal and oil worldwide and, secondarily, due to systematic deforestation. This increasing concentration is unequivocal evidence of the impact of human activities on the global environment, and is at the heart of concerns about global warming.