Dr. Keeling started collecting CO2 samples at Mauna Loa in 1958. By 1960, he had established that there are strong seasonal variations in CO2 levels with peak levels reached in the late northern hemisphere winter. In 1961, Keeling produced data showing that CO2 levels were rising steadily in what became known as the Keeling Curve". The atmospheric concentration of CO2 has grown from 315 ppm in 1958 to 380 ppm in 2005 with increases correlated to fossil fuel emissions. Other nations quickly established their own stations in places, especially around North America and Europe. Today the global network has more than 100 stations and has contributed enormously to our knowledge of global change. This talk will illustrate the current network and scientic perspectives of these measurements. |