Fact Check: "The Keeling Curve tracks atmospheric CO2 concentrations since 1958."
What We Know
The claim that "The Keeling Curve tracks atmospheric CO2 concentrations since 1958" is accurate. The Keeling Curve is a graphical representation of the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in Earth's atmosphere, which has been recorded at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii since March 1958. This initiative was started by Dr. Charles David Keeling, who was associated with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The data collected at Mauna Loa represent the longest continuous record of direct atmospheric CO2 measurements (NOAA, NASA).
The measurements show not only a steady increase in CO2 levels over the decades but also seasonal fluctuations, with CO2 levels peaking in May and reaching their lowest in September each year (Scripps CO2, Wikipedia).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust and comes from multiple credible sources. The NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory states that the CO2 data from Mauna Loa is the longest record of direct measurements of atmospheric CO2, initiated in 1958 by Keeling (NOAA). This is corroborated by NASA's visualization, which also highlights the significance of the Keeling Curve in tracking atmospheric CO2 concentrations since its inception (NASA).
Additionally, the Wikipedia entry on the Keeling Curve provides a comprehensive overview of its history and significance, noting that Keeling's measurements were pivotal in demonstrating the rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 levels due to human activities (Wikipedia).
The sources cited are from reputable scientific institutions and educational platforms, which enhances their reliability. The NOAA and NASA are both well-respected organizations in the field of climate science, and their data is widely used in research and policy-making.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "The Keeling Curve tracks atmospheric CO2 concentrations since 1958" is true. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the Keeling Curve is indeed a long-term record of atmospheric CO2 levels, initiated by Charles David Keeling in 1958 at the Mauna Loa Observatory.
