I have been wondering whether the largest real-life science experiment in history will show whether atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations will decrease as a result of the Covid19-induced economic slowdown.
Earlier I concluded: “I expect there may be a small decrease in the rate of CO2 concentration increase, but it won’t be much, and I will be surprised if it turns negative. A large La Nina later this year will lead to a CO2 increase a few months later, in which case there will be a larger downturn in annual CO2 change in 2021.
However, if the major cause of CO2 increase is fossil fuel consumption, there will be an extra large decrease in CO2 change in 2020 and 2021- and a noticeable jump if the global economy rebounds.”
The CO2 concentration number for July is now published: 414.38 p.p.m. (parts per million). The seasonal drawdown of CO2 has begun, but CO2 concentration is 2.61 ppm above the figure for July last year. Figure 1 shows the 12 month change in CO2 at Mauna Loa since 2015-that is, January to January, February to February, March to March.
Fig. 1: 12 month change in CO2 concentration since 2015 to July 2020- Mauna Loa
Notice the amount of 12 month change has increased a bit more.
Figure 2 is a monthly update for 2020 I will show as each month’s CO2 figures become available (and 2021 if necessary):
Fig. 2: Updated 12 month changes in CO2 concentration for 2020- Mauna Loa
Note that so far this year, 12 month changes continue to remain firmly in the normal or even upper range, and there is no sign of any slow down.
Watch for next month’s update, and enjoy the ride!
kenskingdom 