Story perspectives

Record 431 ppm CO2 Hits Mauna Loa, Funding Threatened

5/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

NOAA's Mauna Loa Observatory measured an average of 431 ppm carbon dioxide in April 2026, a record.
Climate scientist Zachary Labe said the April peak is seasonal because decaying plants emit greenhouse gases.
A NOAA fiscal-year-2027 budget proposal includes cuts that could shut down the long-running Mauna Loa station.
U.S. carbon emissions fell in 2023 and 2024, rose in 2025 as AI data-center electricity demand increased, offering optimism from renewable energy expansion.

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Story summary

NOAA's Mauna Loa Observatory measured an average of 431 ppm carbon dioxide in April 2026, a record.
Climate scientist Zachary Labe said the April peak is seasonal because decaying plants emit greenhouse gases.
A NOAA fiscal-year-2027 budget proposal includes cuts that could shut down the long-running Mauna Loa station.
U.S. carbon emissions fell in 2023 and 2024, rose in 2025 as AI data-center electricity demand increased, offering optimism from renewable energy expansion.