'Dangerous Territory': Carbon Dioxide Levels Reach Milestone
The amount of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere has reached 440 parts per million. It's the first time it's reached that number since scientists began tracking it. Actually, it's the first time it's reached that number in millions of years.
NPR's Richard Harris digs into why the number is important -- it's not the number itself that's significant, but it is "a reminder of just how rapidly our atmosphere is changing."
'Dangerous Territory:' Carbon Dioxide Levels Reach Iconic High : NPRThe Earth's atmosphere is entering a new era. A mountain-top research station that has been tracking carbon dioxide for more than 50 years says the level of that gas in our air has reached a milestone: 400 parts per million.
(Image credit: Jonathan Kingston/National Geographic/Getty Images)
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