Atmospheric CO2 Levels Mirror Those Seen 14 Million Years Ago, Study Finds

Current atmospheric CO2 levels are equivalent to those seen 14 to 16 million years ago.
If global CO2 emissions continue to rise at the current rate, we could reach between 600-800 ppm by the year 2100.
Atmospheric CO2 Levels Mirror Those Seen 14 Million Years Ago, Study Finds

A recent study has revealed that the current levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere are equivalent to those seen 14 to 16 million years ago. The research, which involved scientists from 16 countries, aimed to create a high-fidelity record of atmospheric CO2 dating back to the dawn of complex life 540 million years ago. The study used various markers in the geologic record, such as isotopes in minerals and fossilized leaves, to reconstruct CO2 concentrations.

The study found that the last time the air contained 420 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide was between 14-16 million years ago. This finding is significant as it highlights the impact of human activity on the atmosphere within just a few generations. The research team, known as the Cenozoic CO2 Proxy Integration Project, evaluated and integrated available proxies to create a high-fidelity record of atmospheric CO2.

The study also warns of the potential future implications if global CO2 emissions continue to rise at the current rate. It predicts that we could reach between 600-800 ppm by the year 2100, levels not seen since the Eocene period 30-40 million years ago. Understanding past CO2 trends is crucial for predicting future climate change and this research provides valuable insights into Earth's history and potential future climate scenarios.



Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

96%

  • Unique Points
    • The research, involving scientists from 16 countries, aims to create a high-fidelity record of atmospheric CO2 back to the dawn of complex life 540 million years ago.
    • Human activity significantly altering the atmosphere within a few generations.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    • The article is straightforward and factual, with no apparent deception.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

96%

  • Unique Points
    • The research team, called the Cenozoic CO2 Proxy Integration Project, evaluated and integrated available proxies to create a high-fidelity record of atmospheric CO2.
    • Understanding past CO2 trends is crucial for predicting future climate change.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

97%

  • Unique Points
    • The analysis finds that the last time the air contained 420 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide was between 14-16 million years ago.
    • The study warns that if global CO2 emissions continue to rise, we could reach between 600-800 ppm by the year 2100, levels not seen since the Eocene period 30-40 million years ago.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    • The article is straightforward and factual, with no apparent deception.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication