Atmospheric CO2 readings are the closest thing we have to a real-time, global indicator of progress to end global warming and stabilize global climate.

The data is recorded by scientists using high precision instruments.  The data is available in real time.  Measurements are made of the earth' 'background air' far from biological (and human) disturbance--near the top of the world's largest mountain and near the middle of the world's largest ocean.  The annual trend for that one location traces the trend at locations from the South Pole to Barrow, Alaska--so Mauna Loa readings tell us what is happening to the earth as a whole.  The measurements are Mauna Loa are the longest-running, continuous high-precision data set we have.  Carbon dioxide warms the planet to enable diverse and complex life, and rapid increases in carbon dioxide are the chief driver for global warming and other changes to the life-sustaining climate and biospheric systems.  Two independent sets of CO2 readings are available from the Mauna Loa Observatory in near-real time direct from the earth's atmosphere.

CO2 is not the only greenhouse gas, but atmospheric CO2 readings are the closest thing the world has to a natural, global, real-time indicator of progress on stabilizing global temperature, climate and diverse life on earth.  With the billions of people and dollars and hours focussed on sustainability, why are atmospheric CO2 readings not visibile to everyone who is plugged into print media, broadcast media and social media?  That's the first question.  And it's a broad question.

The next question is for people who want to raise the visibility and volume on atmospheric CO2.  How can the presentations be designed so CO2 readings are engaging and usable by individuals and groups aiming to stabilize the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and end human-caused global warming?  This is an important question that I am especially interested in.  It's a purposeful question that brings in all kinds of perspectives.  Take, for example, perspectives on design, media, learning, and systems.

CO₂.earth was set up to help more people access and learn about atmospheric CO₂ readings.  Show.earth was set up to give people a way to get involved and show the data themselves.  These are both citizen-led initiatives that have been constrained by individual-scale talent and resources.  Without compromising the commitment to help the world see what's actually going on, there is a need to scale up.  This blog is an early attempt to open the CO2.earth and Show.earth projects for a broader, public discussion and influence.

To ground the discussion, I give you an overview of 'CO2 display' efforts that are active or have been tried.

Source Data

Redistribution via Pro Oxygen

NASA Earth Now / Vital Signs

Concordia

Worldometer

Projections

- Climate Interactive

Decommissionned

The Deutsche Bank KnowTheNumber