PPM Of Carbon Dioxide

1958: 316ppm
1988: 352 ppm
1998: 367 ppm
2003: 376 ppm

Now, in 2008, we have a record high (the highest in 650 000 years) for CO2 levels in the atmosphere -- 387 parts per million (ppm).

From 1970 to 2000, the concentration rose by about 1.5ppm each year, but since 2000 the annual rise has leapt to an average 2.1ppm. This is leading scientists to worry that the Earth may be losing its natural ability to soak up billions of tons of carbon each year. If more carbon stays in the atmosphere, emissions will have to be cut by even more to prevent us reaching 400 ppm or beyond.

If we exceed 400 ppm in the atmosphere, we will not be able to prevent a 2 degree Celsius warming of the planet, causing devastation to vulnerable ecosystems, like the Amazon or coral reefs. In the last 10,000 years, the Earth’s average temperature hasn’t varied by more than 1 degree Celsius. This is not a natural warming cycle. Anyone who's still believing that has their head in the sand.