The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere has reached a new milestone in the history of scientific measurements, a mark that certifies, according to experts, the reality of global warming consequences but increasingly unpredictable concern.
This week, the presence of CO2 in the air reached 400 parts per million molecules in records atmospheric station Mauna Loa, Hawaii, considered the world center for the study of greenhouse greenhouse since it began operating in 1958.
The figure itself does not translate into a “immediate threat” to human beings, as explained geochemist Ralph Keeling Oceanographic Center San Diego, California, but it is a symbolic figure which scientists try to move consciences.
“is a threshold that should not have gotten . Indeed, we should not have exceeded 350,” said Keeling, one of the authors of the report released Friday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, in English) of USA.
expert argues that civilization is in “danger zone” without the near horizon to see glimpses of improvement. In 25 years it is estimated that the CO2 will 450 parts per million molecules of air given the continued use of fossil fuels for developing countries.
Causes
The burning of coal, oil and natural gas engine being the dramatic acceleration of the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere, said in a telephone interview the director of the Global Monitoring Division of NOAA lab in Colorado, James Butler.
“human civilization during carbon dioxide levels have been between 180-280 parts per million, in just over 100 years the human species has risen to 400. No natural cycle on this planet able to do that so fast , “said the executive.
is unknown whether there is a point of no return, once exceeded that generates a drastic destabilization condemn humans to global climatic calamities that are far more typical of the films, an ultimatum that while tragic would help to take action to curb emissions.
“People do not see short-term dangers so do not be afraid , that’s part of the problem. afraid not everything it should. If you look at the long run you realize the magnitude what we are doing is very worrying, “he said Keeling, whose father was a pioneer in the study of carbon dioxide.
called “Keeling Curve,” created by Charles David Keeling, is located at the base of the demonstrations that validate the theories of climate change that led to environmental summits Kyoto or Copenhagen. Charles Keeling died in 2005 and his son Ralph continued his legacy.
“I do not think my father would have been surprised that we have reached this point, although he hoped that once they knew of the existence of a rapid change in climate, had done more “said his descendant.
Butler, people have to make an effort to “get enough” global warming “is true” and “have to rely on those who know more”, although he admits that “it is difficult”. “It takes between 10 and 20 years that effects are noticed,” said Butler.
The consequences
Once in the atmosphere, CO2 remains trapped there for thousands of years which makes radiquen climate changes in cumulative emissions.
The rate of increase of carbon dioxide has accelerated since testing began in 1958 continued, going from about 0.7 parts per million per year then, to an average of 2.1 parts per million in the last decade.
Due to the increase in temperature on the planet, it is expected that in the coming years gases methane found in surface sediments in the oceans and under the Arctic ice are released into the atmosphere. That gas could speed up to five times more global warming .
Something similar already happened in prehistoric times, Butler recalled. Nor is the first time that CO2 is at current levels, although that occurred gradually over periods of thousands of years ago when the man still was in its infancy as Australopithecus.
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