Data suggest that the rate of increase in atmospheric Co, has not been constant. Suppose that the recent
annual increase of about 3ppm is expressed as a percent
and the future annual increases (from 2012 level of 374)
occur at the same rate. This would mean the growth rate
3
would be = 0.008.
374
As a percentage, this can be written as 0.008 = 0.8%
Assume growth from 374 ppm at the constant
percent rate of 0.008
1. What function could you estimate the CO2
concentration x years after 2012? Compare your function
with those of your classmates.
il. What level of atmospheric concentration of CO2 can
be expected in 2020?