The Keeling Curve

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In today's blog, I will be going over everything about the keeling curve- everything from what it is, why we want the curve to go down, and more!

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What is the keeling curve?

Think of the Keeling Curve as a long-running diary of our planet's breaths. It's like a heartbeat monitor for Earth's atmosphere, showing how much carbon dioxide we're exhaling into the air. Started by a scientist named Charles David Keeling in 1958, it's become a symbol of our impact on the planet. Every upward tick on the graph represents another gasp of CO2, largely from human activities like burning fossil fuels. It's a reminder that our actions are leaving a profound mark on the world around us.

Why Do We Need The Curve to Go Down?

Lowering the Keeling Curve is like putting a brake on the carbon dioxide levels in our planet's air, a consequence of our actions like burning fossil fuels. Imagine it as a signal of the Earth's distress, reflecting how our activities are heating up the atmosphere and disrupting the climate. To tackle this, we need to join hands and make changes in how we produce energy, how we use resources, and how we live our lives. By doing so, we're not just combating climate change; we're safeguarding our home and ensuring a healthier, safer world for ourselves and future generations.

So How Do We Bring Down the Curve?

Lowering the Keeling Curve involves making big changes in how we produce and use energy, like switching to renewable sources such as wind and solar power. Governments and businesses play a big role by passing laws and investing in clean technology, but every person's choices matter too, whether it's using less energy at home or speaking up for the environment. Together, we can bring down the curve and make a better world for ourselves and future generations.

What if we don't bring it down?

If we don't bring down the Keeling Curve, our planet will continue to heat up, leading to more extreme weather, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems and communities. It's like ignoring warning signs and letting a problem grow unchecked, endangering the well-being of future generations. Taking action now is our best chance to create a safer, healthier world for ourselves and other beings on the planet.

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We hope that you have found this blog helpful and that you will see the importance in recycling! Make sure to keep on staying safe and we will see you again soon!

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Citations:

[1]. "Scripps CO2 Program." Keeling Curve, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, n.d., https://keelingcurve.ucsd.edu/.

[2]. Keeling Curve." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 5 February 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keeling_Curve.

[3]. National Geographic Society. "Keeling Curve." National Geographic Education, National Geographic Society, n.d., https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/keeling-curve/.