Passing a 'tipping point' and turning to wide-eyed solutions

Those who understand the mechanics of earth’s climate have declared that humanity’s survival was inextricably linked to keeping carbon dioxide levels below 350 parts per million (ppm).

Once beyond that mark, the positive feedbacks became such that humans had passed what is colloquially known as the “tipping point” – that moment when mitigation opportunities had vanished and all that remained was adaptation using hitherto untried and untested processes such as carbon capture and sequestration and wide-eyed geo-engineering schemes.

The hoped for 350ppm ideal is now little more than a dream for CBS news reports that CO2 levels are now above 400ppm.

Writing in a story headed: “First time in 800 000 years: April’s CO2 levels above 400ppm”, CBS said the level was above the 400ppm level for the entire month.