Why is it in the news?

• In March 2024, the global average concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) reached 4.7 parts per million (ppm).
• This represented a significant increase compared to March 2023 and marked a notable spike in the Keeling Curve.
• This recent surge in CO2 concentration, with a recorded leap of 425.22 ppm, stands as the highest ever documented.

More about the news

• The Keeling Curve records the levels of atmospheric CO2 measured at the Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO) since 1958.
• Situated on the side of Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano in Hawaii, MLO monitors the atmospheric elements contributing to climate change.
• The Keeling Curve is named in honour of Dr. Charles David Keeling.