Over time, the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere has generally been increasing, particularly since the late 18th century with the onset of the Industrial Revolution. Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and various industrial processes, have significantly contributed to this rise in CO2 levels.
Measurements from ice core samples and modern atmospheric data show a clear upward trend in CO2 concentrations, with recent years reaching levels above 400 parts per million (ppm), a significant increase compared to pre-industrial levels of about 280 ppm. This increase in atmospheric CO2 is a major contributor to global warming and climate change.