CO₂ Stripes

The colors in the figure above represent the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere from 2004 to 2023 on a monthly basis. Dark colors on the left indicate lower values of atmospheric CO₂ in the earlier years, while lighter, yellow colors represent higher values of atmospheric CO₂ towards the end of the period. Due to high anthropogenic emissions of CO₂, the overall content increases over the years. Additionally, we observe monthly variations in CO₂ levels, visualized by changes in darker and lighter colors within individual years. This is due to the annual cycle of plant growth in the Northern Hemisphere. During boreal summers, plants and trees have more leaves and are greener, performing more photosynthesis. In this process, plants convert atmospheric CO₂ and water into glucose and oxygen using solar energy. This glucose is used for growth and energy. As a consequence, atmospheric levels of CO₂ decline. Plants act as a natural sink of CO₂ in our climate system. In winter, photosynthesis is strongly reduced, and CO₂ accumulates in the atmosphere.