The Keeling Curve Turns 50

The inception of the "Keeling Curve," a history of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, marked a key moment in American science history. The record began in March, 1958 at a small observatory on the top of Hawaii's Mauna Loa.

The Keeling Curve provided the first clear evidence that carbon dioxide was accumulating in the atmosphere as the result of humanity's use of fossil fuels. It turned speculations about increasing CO2 from theory into fact. Over time, it served to anchor other aspects of the science of global warming.

In an April television special, the Weather Channel recognized the "discovery of global warming" by Keeling's group as history's Biggest Weather Moment.

The curve has become one of the iconic images of science, rivaling the double helix or Darwin's sketches of finches. The Keeling Curve remains vital as a new era of climate change research begins, one in which improved observation and forecasting of climate provides necessary information for the prudent response that most governments now agree needs to take place. Society might first come to know that its efforts are paying off when measurements taken at Mauna Loa and its companion stations reveal that the Keeling Curve is no longer rising, but at last, is sinking.

Science organizations around the world are joining Scripps in marking the anniversary. We invite you to enter and learn how the Keeling Curve has earned its place in history.