Carbon Dioxide Levels in Earth's Atmosphere Over Time (IMAGE)

University of Arizona

Carbon Dioxide Levels in Earth's Atmosphere Over Time

Caption

Past carbon dioxide concentrations (at left) compared to possible future emissions scenarios (at right): The rate of current emissions is much faster - occurring over decades - unlike geological changes, which occur over millions of years. If emissions continue unabated, carbon dioxide levels could meet or exceed values associated with past warm climates, such as the Cretaceous period (100 million years ago) or the Eocene epoch (50 million years ago), by the year 2300.

Credit

Jessica Tierney/University of Arizona

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