Fact Check: Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have risen significantly since the Industrial Revolution.

Fact Check: "Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have risen significantly since the Industrial Revolution."

What We Know

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the atmosphere have indeed risen significantly since the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century. Prior to this period, atmospheric CO₂ concentrations were approximately 280 parts per million (ppm) and have now surpassed 420 ppm, marking an increase of over 50% (NOAA Climate.gov, NOAA). The modern record of CO₂ levels began with systematic measurements at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii in 1958, which have shown a consistent upward trend in atmospheric CO₂ (NASA, GlobalChange.gov).

The increase in CO₂ levels is largely attributed to human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, which has released an estimated 1.5 trillion tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution (NOAA). This trend is further supported by data showing that the annual increase in CO₂ has accelerated over the decades, with a notable increase of 3.75 ppm recorded in 2024 alone, the largest one-year increase on record (NOAA Climate.gov).

Analysis

The claim that CO₂ levels have risen significantly since the Industrial Revolution is supported by multiple credible sources. The NOAA and NASA, both leading authorities in climate science, provide consistent data showing that CO₂ levels are now more than 50% higher than pre-industrial levels (NOAA, NASA). The measurements taken at Mauna Loa are particularly reliable due to the location's elevation and isolation from local pollution, allowing for accurate representation of global atmospheric conditions (NOAA).

The data from ice cores further corroborates these findings, indicating that atmospheric CO₂ levels have not been this high for millions of years (GlobalChange.gov). The increase in CO₂ is not only significant in terms of percentage but also in the rate of change; the current rate of increase is estimated to be 100-200 times faster than natural increases observed at the end of the last ice age (NOAA Climate.gov).

While some sources may emphasize different aspects of climate change or focus on specific impacts, the consensus among climate scientists is clear: human activities have dramatically increased atmospheric CO₂ levels since the Industrial Revolution, and this trend poses significant risks to global climate systems.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have risen significantly since the Industrial Revolution is substantiated by extensive scientific data and analysis. The increase from approximately 280 ppm to over 420 ppm represents a substantial and concerning rise, primarily driven by human activities such as fossil fuel combustion. The evidence from reputable scientific organizations confirms the accuracy of this claim.

Fact Check: Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have risen significantly since the Industrial Revolution.