Rising CO₂ levels are reflected in human blood. Scientists don’t know what it means
- Written by Alexander Larcombe, Associate Professor and Head of Respiratory Environmental Health, The Kids Research Institute Australia; Curtin University
FabrikaCr / Getty ImagesHumans evolved in an atmosphere containing roughly 200–300 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Today, that figure sits above 420 ppm, higher than at any point in the history of our species.
We know this extra CO₂ is contributing to climate change, but could it also be changing the chemistry of...





