Chapter 1: The CO2 Dilemma

Approximately one year ago, I penned an article titled "Global CO2 levels are still rising, have reached new record high." Unfortunately, this assertion still holds true today.

Despite the installation of numerous solar panels and wind turbines over the past year, one might expect a decline in CO2 emissions. However, that is not the case. We have once again witnessed a new peak in CO2 levels. To summarize: this is deeply concerning.

Let’s break this down systematically. While this might echo what was reported a year ago, the latest data underscores the importance of this issue, necessitating repetition.

The Mauna Loa Observatory & The Keeling Curve

Located on the Hawaiian island of Mauna Loa, the Mauna Loa Observatory has been collecting daily atmospheric CO2 measurements since 1958. Established by scientist Charles Keeling, this observatory operates at an elevation of 11,145 feet, about three miles from the summit.

Why is this site significant? Its remote location ensures that the air sampled provides an accurate representation of the central Pacific, free from local pollution. Additionally, the altitude keeps it above the inversion layer, which often traps contaminants. The road built by the military conveniently allows access to this crucial data-gathering site.

The continuous collection of CO2 data has resulted in what is now known as the Keeling Curve. For the latest measurements, click here for live updates.

In reviewing the Keeling Curve, a few key points emerge:

1. The curve exhibits seasonal fluctuations due to the growth of vegetation in the Northern Hemisphere, which absorbs CO2 during the summer months. This results in an annual variation of approximately 5 ppmv.
2. Alarmingly, CO2 levels have surged from 421.18 ppmv last year to 427.26 ppmv today.

This increase is not trivial; it represents a new atmospheric composition for humanity.

Understanding the Greenhouse Effect

CO2, classified as a greenhouse gas, plays a crucial role in absorbing and emitting infrared radiation. The primary energy source driving this process is the sun, which leads to an energy balance: we receive solar energy, and we also emit energy back into space. An increase in CO2 causes more energy to be trapped, altering this balance.

Thus, climate change denial is not merely a difference in opinion; it contradicts the fundamental laws of physics. Some may attempt to refute this for various reasons, but such arguments lack scientific validity.

Natural Climate Variations

Indeed, the climate has varied naturally throughout Earth's history, with ice ages and warmer periods. However, the current warming trend is unlike those natural cycles. Data spanning 800,000 years from ice cores in Greenland and Antarctica reveals trapped air bubbles, allowing us to measure historical CO2 levels. When this data is combined with Keeling’s findings, a troubling picture emerges.

Earth’s orbital variations, influenced by gravitational forces from other celestial bodies, lead to cyclical climate changes known as Milankovitch cycles. These cycles cause shifts in solar radiation, impacting CO2 levels and contributing to ice age oscillations roughly every 100,000 years.

However, the current rapid rise in CO2 levels has disrupted this natural cycle. Climate scientists are increasingly alarmed by this unprecedented change, as our climate system enters uncharted territory.

The Dire Consequences of Inaction

The pressing question remains: Are we doomed? While life on Earth will persist, our species may not share in that future if we fail to act. As CO2 levels continue to climb to record highs, our fate hangs in the balance.

We have irrevocably altered our planet’s climate. Yet, there are still solutions available, and some positive developments are on the horizon:

• June 2: Breakthrough in Carbon Capture Technology: MOF-525 can capture and convert CO2 into useful chemicals.
• May 28: Analysis suggests that China’s CO2 emissions may have peaked in 2023.
• May 21: Research indicates that ships could store their CO2 emissions in the ocean.

However, certain consequences are unavoidable: sea levels are rising, temperatures are increasing, and some regions may soon become uninhabitable. Coastal cities will likely face significant challenges, leading to human migrations and food supply issues.

If we make concerted efforts, we may slow down these changes enough to adapt. Conversely, failing to act swiftly could result in overwhelming, rapid changes that we will not be able to withstand.

The Power of Choice

The key takeaway is this: We still have choices.

It is astonishing that in Florida, voters support leaders who disregard scientific evidence, such as Ron DeSantis, who recently signed a law erasing "climate change" from state statutes. Given that much of Florida is at or near sea level, the consequences of inaction could be dire.

In the Atlantic and Caribbean, water temperatures are already dangerously high, reminiscent of August and September peaks, raising alarms for an upcoming hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts up to 25 named storms, including four to seven major hurricanes.

Due to climate change, we face an 85% chance of experiencing one of the most intense hurricane seasons on record.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As a final reminder, we still possess the power to make choices that can alter our trajectory. The urgency of the climate crisis cannot be overstated, and it is imperative that we act decisively to secure a sustainable future.

In the first video, titled "Climate Change: How Doomed ARE We?", experts discuss the gravity of the current climate crisis and its implications for humanity.

The second video, "Are we all doomed? A climate scientist weighs in," features a climate scientist sharing insights on the challenges and potential solutions we face moving forward.