Introduction: The Story of CO₂ and Our Climate

Climate change is often framed as a challenge for future generations, but the truth is, it’s happening now. The data tells a story—a story of rising carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels and their profound impact on our planet. Over the last century, CO₂ emissions have grown exponentially, driven by industrial activities and deforestation. As CO₂ accumulates in our atmosphere, it traps heat, altering the Earth’s climate system.

This narrative isn’t just about numbers and graphs—it’s about the future of life on Earth. Every year, every ton of CO₂ emitted is part of a bigger picture, one that affects global temperatures, weather patterns, ecosystems, and human societies.

The U.S. Greenhouse Gas Center has provided invaluable data that allows us to understand and track these changes. By analyzing emissions trends, carbon sinks, and the global carbon cycle, we can see the stark reality of our environmental impact. But this data also offers hope—it shows us where we can act, where we can reduce emissions, and how we can make a difference.

Join us as we delve into the story of CO₂ and our climate, a story that blends data with human experience, science with action. Together, we’ll explore how we got here, what’s at stake, and what we can do to secure a sustainable future.