Carbon Emissions Reach Highest Level Ever and Data Shows They Are Growing

The latest data from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency's (NOAA) Earth Systems Research Laboratory shows that carbon dioxide levels have reached the highest the laboratory has ever recorded in its 50 year history.

Located 12,000 feet above sea level in Mauna Loi, Hawaii, this NOAA atmospheric monitoring station is considered one of the world's most reliable collectors of greenhouse gas emissions data.

On May 22, 2011 the Mauna Loi monitoring station reported atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide at 394.97 ppm.  This is the largest amount the station has ever reported, and it represents an increase of 1.91 ppm from data recorded at the same time last year.  This revelation comes as the International Energy Agency reports that energy-related carbon emissions were the highest in history in 2010.

According to the IEA, after falling in 2009, carbon emissions reached a record level of 30.6 gigatonnes in 2010.  This is a 5% increase over the previous record of 29.3 gigatonnes, which occurred in 2008.

Climate scientists say atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide must remain at or around the 400 ppm mark if global temperatures are not to rise more than 2 degrees Celsius this century.  An increase of 2 degrees Celsius is largerly held as the threshold for preventing dangerous climate change.

At the most recent United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Cancun last December, member nations agreed to limit carbon emissions to 450 parts per million.  The IEA says this can be achieved as long as the rise of global emissions is retarded.  According to the 450 Scenario, a plan developed by the IEA to achieve this goal, emissions must not be greater than 32 gigatonnes by 2020.  This means that emissions must rise less in the next ten years than they did between 2009 and 2010.

Climate scientists state that 450 ppm will only offer a 50% chance of keeping global temperature rise below 2 degrees celsius.

Dr. Fatih Birol, Chief Economist at the IEA, further states, "Our latest estimates are another wake-up call.  The world has edged incredibly close to the level of emissions that should not be reached until 2020 if the 2 degree target is to be attained.  Given the shrinking room for maneuver in 2020, unless bold and decisive decisions are made very soon, it will be extremely challenging to succeed in achieving this global goal agreed in Cancun."

Although countries are increasing their investment in clean energy technologies, fossil fuels continue to be seen as a necessary energy source for many countries because they can satisfy increased energy demand in the most economical manner.  In terms of fuel, coal produced 44% of global carbon emissions in 2010; 26% came from oil; and, 20% from natural gas.

Dr. Birol says that strong energy policy promoting low-carbon technology must be implemented as soon as possible because 80% of projected emissions from the power sector in 2020 are already locked in, as they will come from power plants already operating or under construction.

Image credit: chuwasg via Flickr