There is more CO2 in the atmosphere today than any point since the evolution of humans

The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has risen to over 415 parts per million -- far higher than at any point in the last 800,000 years, since before the evolution of humans

That was the reaction of meteorologist Eric Holthaus to news that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have reached heights not seen in the entirety of human existence -- not history, existence.This is the first time in human history our planet's atmosphere has had more than 415ppm CO2.

Not just in recorded history, not just since the invention of agriculture 10,000 years ago. Since before modern humans existed millions of years ago.— Eric Holthaus May 12, 2019 According to data from the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is over 415 parts per million , far higher than at any point in the last 800,000 years, since before the evolution of homo sapiens.

— Bill McKibben May 12, 2019 "Not just in recorded history, not just since the invention of agriculture 10,000 years ago. Since before modern humans existed millions of years ago," added Holthaus. During the Pliocene Epoch, some 3 million years ago, when global temperatures were estimated 2-3 degrees Celsius warmer than today, CO2 levels are believed to have topped out somewhere between 310 to 400 ppm. Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are at their highest point in over 800,000 years.

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