Atmospheric Carbon and a Growing Population

Since the start of the Industrial Revolution human activity has led to a major increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide. This surge in carbon emissions is due in large part to the burning of fossil fuels in industry and transportation. Since 1957 and 1958, stations in the South Pole and Hawaii respectively, have accurately and directly measured atmospheric carbon. A steady increase in atmospheric carbon has been observed. In 1958 the level of carbon dioxide in parts per million was recorded at 315. The most recent measurement calculates that atmospheric carbon is now over 380 ppm.₁

The increase in humans’ use of synthetic fertilizer has greatly affected levels of carbon in the atmosphere. Synthetic fertilizers have facilitated a great surge in the earth’s population, and carrying capacity, by providing much higher yields in agriculture. This directly affects carbon in the atmosphere because a growing population begets a growing industry, need for agriculture and demand for more fossil fuels. The burning of fossil fuels has had one of the greatest impacts on atmospheric carbon, and therefore the growing use of fossil fuels will ultimately increase carbon emissions. It is a cycling continuum that requires an ever expanding demand for fossil fuels.

1. Bloch, Michael . "Current CO2 levels." Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Levels. 2009. Web. 27 Oct 2009.