Largest Year–Over-Year Gain in Keeling Curve Set in March

Robert MonroeAnnouncement, Measurement Notes

New record for largest 12-month gain in carbon dioxide concentration ever observed The monthly average concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere measured at NOAA’s Mauna Loa Observatory in March 2024 was 4.7 parts per million (ppm) higher than that recorded in March 2023, setting a new record and revealing the increasing pace of CO2 addition to the atmosphere by … Read More

Scripps CO2 Instrument at Mauna Loa Observatory Back in Action

Robert MonroeAnnouncement, Daily Measurements, Keeling Curve History, Measurement Notes

Helicopter delivers photovoltaic rails, electrical conduit, and solar panels to Mauna Loa Observatory. Photo: Scott Prestien/EPC We are happy to report that measurements by the Scripps CO2 program resumed at Mauna Loa Observatory on March 9.   The CO2 analyzer is being powered with a solar power/battery system installed by NOAA staff at the Mauna Loa Observatory using helicopter access.  The … Read More

Historic Keeling Curve Observation Interrupted by Volcanic Eruption

Robert MonroeAnnouncement, Keeling Curve History, Measurement Notes

Photo: NOAA   The carbon dioxide measurement equipment that maintains the famed Keeling Curve record lost power at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 28 and is not currently recording data. Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, erupted at 1:30 a.m. PST on Nov. 28 after weeks of heightened internal activity. Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, which … Read More

Statement from Scripps Oceanography, UK Met Office on Record High CO2 Buildup

Robert MonroeAnnouncement, Climate in the News, Measurement Notes, Outreach

Researchers Richard Betts from the UK Met Office Hadley Centre and Ralph Keeling of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego issued the following statement today regarding new record levels of CO2 in the atmosphere in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The full text of the statement with graphics is available with graphics through this link and is included … Read More