A report compiled by a group of international scientists has revealed that atmospheric CO2 levels have risen by two per cent over the past 50 years.
The discovery is important, as it indicates that the world's carbon sinks have not been able to absorb as much carbon dioxide as is being produced in order to keep levels steady, the researchers said.
Professor Ian Woodward, who was involved in the research, commented: "Although the land carbon sink has been gradually increasing over the last 50 years, it is very sensitive to changes in climate. This decline in efficiency will inevitably lead to an increase in the CO2 emissions […] in the atmosphere."
The paper also found that global CO2 emissions caused by fossil fuels increased by 29 per cent between 2000 and 2008.
Lead author of the report, Professor Corinne Le Quere, stated that a substantial reduction in worldwide carbon dioxide output is the only way to control climate change.
She added that more research was needed to fully understand the role that carbon sinks play in CO2 absorption.
Scientists from the University of Bristol released data earlier this month which indicated that the earth's climate system is more sensitive to atmospheric CO2 levels than previously thought.
Posted by Claire Manning
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