🌍 What is the Mauna Loa Observatory? 🌋
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Located high on the slopes of a Hawaiian volcano, the Mauna Loa Observatory has been measuring atmospheric CO₂ since 1958. Its remote location and stable air make it the gold standard for tracking global CO₂ levels.
📈 Why does this matter?
CO₂ levels here show the rise in greenhouse gases driving climate change. The current carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration measured at the Mauna Loa Observatory is approximately 423.71 ppm (parts per million) as of November 20, 2024.
Scientists have stated that in order to once again enjoy a safe and stable climate, CO₂ concentrations in the atmosphere need to be reduced back down to a maximum of 370 ppm. For perspective, levels before the industrial revolution were at 270 ppm 😲