Understand CO2 & CO2e
This graphics explains why we’re at approximately 387, 455 and 375ppm all at
the same time.
A lot of people working on climate change don’t fully understand this
distinction, and even if they do, it’s often hard to explain.
This is our attempt to help clarify the situation.
Why is this important? Well, if you’re considering the extent of future
climate change, it’s essential to understand that there are actually 2 major
players: humans (net positive impact, but indeterminate, i.e. will we reduce
emissions and by how much?) and the carbon cycle (net negative impact, but
uncertain, will this continue? could the carbon cycle become a net source of
emissions?).
Furthermore, humans impact on the climate in two major ways, greenhouse gas
emissions (net warming) AND aerosol emissions (net cooling, with large
uncertainty).
global warming, aerosols, greenhouse gases, concentrations
