Data: NOAA and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography; Chart: Thomas Oide/Axios
Monthly average carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are very likely to hit or even exceed 420 parts per million during the month of April, according to readings at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii.
Why it matters: This is a new record high for human history, and very likely the highest level seen in 4.1 million to 4.5 million years.