Scientists attribute the exponential increase in CO2 concentration around the 1860s to the influence of human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels. Before the 19th century, the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere remained relatively stable for thousands of years. However, with the advent of industrialization, the burning of coal, oil, and gas for energy, transportation, and manufacturing purposes released significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. This release of CO2 has disrupted the balance of carbon cycling in the Earth's system, leading to a buildup of greenhouse gases and contributing to global warming and climate change.
