WAIMEA, HAWAII — Scientists at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii have recorded the highest levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide ever in human history.<br /><br />Increases in carbon dioxide concentration have caused rises in temperature during ice age cycles over the past million years or more, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.<br /><br />According to data from the observatory, CO2 concentration levels were recorded to be over 415 parts per million, or ppm.<br /><br />The last time carbon dioxide concentration levels were this high was more than 3 million years ago, according to the NOAA.<br /><br />Atmospheric carbon dioxide is currently increasing at a rate of 3 parts per million every year.<br /><br />According to a report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global temperatures have already risen by approximately 1 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels due to human activity.<br /><br />Eric Holthaus, a meteorologist who writes for climate change and social justice site Grist, tweeted his response to the report, saying: "This is the first time in human history our planet's atmosphere has had more than 415 ppm CO2."<br /><br />"Not just in recorded history, not just since the invention of agriculture 10,000 years ago. Since before modern humans existed millions of years ago."<br /><br />He added: "We don't know a planet like this."
