In 2007, CO2 Output Jumps To Record Level

The
current concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is the highest during
the last 650,000 years, and probably during the last 20 million years, according
to the Global
Carbon Project
.

The world increased
CO2 output
by 3 percent from 2006 to 2007, new numbers considered “scary”
by some and surprising to many who thought economic downturns would slow energy
consumption. 

This amount of pollution exceeds
the highest growth for fossil fuel emissions as projected two years ago by the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Associated
Press reports
.

Forests and oceans, which help extract carbon dioxide, are
doing so at lower rates than in last century, scientists said. This may result
in faster-than-anticipated sea level and temperature rises.

China is the world’s greatest emitter, followed by the United
States. Though some nations slightly decreased
CO2 output, the U.S. pumped out more in 2007. 

Others are proving that emissions reduction is a manageable
process for developed nations. Denmark’s emissions dropped 8 percent; the U.K.
and Germany reduced
CO2 pollution by 3 percent, and France and
Australia reduced fossil fuel emissions by 2 percent, the
AP reports
.

Published: October 1, 2008