This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

I was recently surprised to see that the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere was more than 410ppm (410.28ppm) recently, the highest level reported since measurements have been taken since 1974. In addition, the rate of CO2 rise during the last 10 years is equivalent to 100 to 200 times that which occurred exiting the last ice age.

This rate of change is described by scientists as "a real shock to the atmosphere." Although subject to small seasonal variations, the CO2 levels are expected to stay above 400 ppm for the foreseeable future, supposedly levels not seen for millions of years.

With these extremes, we're clearly venturing into unknown climate territory, whose effects we're already seeing with rising sea levels, melting polar ice, altered precipitation patterns and more severe weather. Without effective curtailment of greenhouse gas emissions, we could be facing myriad, very severe consequences which could eventually threaten our viability as a species. If you are concerned about mankind's self-experiment with the weather, please consider attending today's "People's Climate March" (1-3 p.m. at the Main Library) to demonstrate to the government that we must get serious about curtailing our emissions. There is no Planet B.

Jon Kennington

Cottonwood Heights