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Environment & Energy

hatrack

(59,584 posts)

8. On balance, no. Naturally there are variations (monthly and annual) . . .

Reply to Finishline42 (Reply #7)

Wed Apr 8, 2020, 08:32 PM

Apr 2020

An occasional flat YOY change (early 1960s, IIRC). But the overall trajectory is upwards, year after year.

We also know that it's us because of carbon isotope balances.

Since coal, oil and gas contain no Carbon 14, burning lots and lots of fossil fuels means that over time, the amount of Carbon 14 in the atmosphere has declined as the amount of Carbon 12 has risen.

NOAA does a better job on this than I do! More cool science below:

https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/outreach/isotopes/mixing.html

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March 2020 Atmospheric CO2 Content: 414.50 ppm; March 2019 411.97 ppm; March 2018 409.41 ppm [View all] hatrack Apr 2020 OP

If humans vanished, the planet would likely repair itself. lapfog_1 Apr 2020 #1

With less air, vehicle traffic because of COVID I don't understand why the numbers did not go down. in2herbs Apr 2020 #2

Releases of carbon from natural sources continue, seasonal cycle, still lots of industry running hatrack Apr 2020 #3

Thank you. This helps my understanding and global warming commitment. in2herbs Apr 2020 #4

Also, the Keeling Curve (seasonality) . . . hatrack Apr 2020 #5

No, I wasn't familiar with that either. I've spent most of my life outside, about 8-10 or more in2herbs Apr 2020 #6

thanks but... Finishline42 Apr 2020 #7

On balance, no. Naturally there are variations (monthly and annual) . . . hatrack Apr 2020 #8