... is increasing about 0.4% (1.5 ppm) per year, retaining an additional 3 billion tons of carbon per year. For a very long period of time before the industrial age, the atmospheric concentration was essentially constant. Beginning about 1850, however, the CO2 level began to rise, due in large part to the industrial burning of coal, oil, and natural gas. The atmospheric CO2 level in 1850 ... on rapid reductions in emissions. Among other steps, this means shifting from private car use to public transportation, energy conservation, and a shift to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar....

• Word Count: 2775
• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: Undergraduate