This site provides access to products from the Scripps CO2 Program and serves as a tribute to its founder Charles David Keeling

C.D. Keeling sampling air in La Jolla with a flask
C.D. Keeling taking a flask air sample

About the CO2 Program

Measuring atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels is essential for understanding the impact of human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, on climate change. CO2 is a major greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Regular measurements allow scientists to track long-term trends and seasonal cycles, revealing how much CO2 is absorbed by natural processes, like plant photosynthesis, versus added by fossil fuel emissions.

Current results, including data sets and graphics, are available here from the ongoing program to measure CO2 and chemical species.

Atmospheric records from sampling stations

Measurements of atmospheric CO2 concentration in our program began in 1957 at La Jolla, California and at the South Pole, and in 1958 at Mauna Loa Observatory. These measurements were gradually extended during the 1960's and 1970's to comprise sampling at an array of stations from the Arctic to Antarctica.

The primary (in situ) record from Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii is based on measurements made with an analyzer at the site. At all other sampling stations, the records are based on flask samples returned to our La Jolla laboratory for analysis. Flasks have also been redundantly collected at Mauna Loa. Isotopic measurements on flask samples of the 13C/12C and 18O/16O ratios of CO2, which we began in 1978, have gradually been expanded to include all stations where we measure the CO2 concentration.

Mauna Loa Observatory monthly average carbon dioxide record
Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii CO2 record

Scripps CO2 Program sampling stations

An array of 11 active stations and 3 legacy stations situated along a nearly north-south transect mainly in the Pacific Ocean basin. The stations extend from the Arctic to the South Pole, at sites on land located as far as possible from biological activity and combustion of fossil fuels.

Daily CO2 Updates

For daily updates of the CO2 Concentration at Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii, see keelingcurve.ucsd.edu