Relentless rise of carbon emissions 
-----------------------------------------
Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are 50% higher than when society began burning fossil fuels during the industrial revolution – almost twice as large as the increase following the last ice age
-----------------------------------------
Atmospheric carbon dioxide
(CO2 concentration, parts per million)

1750-1986: It takes 236 years for CO2 levels to increase by 25%. It has now reached 50% in past 35 years

Dec 15, 2021: 416.89ppm

2000: 369.12
1950: 312.82
1900: 295.67
1850: 284.32
 
400 
350
250 
200 
150 
 
1850 1900 1950 2000 2020

CO2 increase: 50.4% since 1750 300 – just 271 years
       
1750, pre-industrial level
277.15 ppm

11,500 years ago
237.83ppm

CO2 increase: 25.9% as Earth climbs out of last ice age – period of 6,000 years

17,500 years ago
188.95 ppm
                                     
-----------------------------------------
Sources: Copernicus, Met Office, NASA Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS