During the pre-industrial era, what were the Carbon Dioxide levels like?

During the pre-industrial era, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels were relatively stable compared to levels seen in recent years. The pre-industrial era refers to the time before significant industrialization and the burning of fossil fuels, which began around the mid-18th century. To understand the CO2 levels during this period, scientific measurements and proxy data are used.

To determine the carbon dioxide levels during the pre-industrial era, scientists analyze ice core samples from Antarctica and Greenland. These ice cores provide a record of the Earth's atmosphere by trapping air bubbles from the time they were formed. By measuring the concentration of CO2 in these air bubbles, scientists can estimate the atmospheric CO2 levels in the past.

Based on these analyses, scientists estimate that carbon dioxide levels during the pre-industrial era were around 280 parts per million (ppm). This level remained relatively stable for thousands of years, fluctuating within a narrow range.

It is essential to note that modern levels of CO2 have significantly increased due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. As of the year 2021, atmospheric CO2 levels have risen to over 410 ppm, a drastic increase from the pre-industrial levels. This rise in CO2 is a significant contributor to the ongoing climate change and global warming.