Despite Economy, Carbon Dioxide Keeps Piling Up in the Atmosphere

"Levels of planet-warming carbon dioxide reached another record in May, the month when they normally peak."

"Levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere reached their annual peak last month, and once again were the highest in human history.

Despite the economic collapse resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, which has led to sharp declines in carbon dioxide emissions, the amount of the greenhouse gas has continued to climb. The May monthly average was 417.2 parts per million, according to scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego.

Separately, researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported a slightly lower May average of 417.1 parts per million."

Henry Fountain reports for the New York Times June 4, 2020.