Antarctica's CO2 Levels Are the Highest They've Been in 4 Million Years

06_17_antarctica_co2_01
Carbon dioxide levels in Antarctica recently hit 400 parts per million—the first time in 4 million years the region has reached such levels. Pauline Askin/Reuters

This story was originally published by Mother Jones and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.

Oof. We just passed yet another climate change milestone, and it's a particularly troubling one. Carbon dioxide levels in Antarctica recently hit 400 parts per million, according to an announcement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Wednesday. It's the first time in 4 million years that the region has reached such levels.

Carbon dioxide—a heat-trapping gas produced by burning fossil fuels—is the primary driver of global warming. Carbon dioxide levels have been on the rise all over the world, but because Antarctica is so remote, the pollutant has accumulated more slowly there. Antarctic CO2 concentrations first surpassed the 400 ppm mark on May 23, according to measurements taken at the South Pole Observatory.

06_17_antarctica_carbon_dioxide_02
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

"The far southern hemisphere was the last place on earth where CO2 had not yet reached this mark," Pieter Tans, the lead scientist of NOAA's Global Greenhouse Gas Reference Network, said in a statement. "Global CO2 levels will not return to values below 400 ppm in our lifetimes, and almost certainly for much longer."

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer

Kanyakrit Vongkiatkajorn

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go