Cardon dioxide peaks near 420 parts per million

New York, June 8 (RHC)-- New data shows atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have reached their highest level in over 4 million years.  Scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration measured CO2 levels averaging 419 parts per million in May — about 50% higher than pre-industrial levels.

This comes as Amnesty International is blasting the Group of 7 world leaders for failing to meet the challenge posed by the climate crisis.  Amnesty said in a statement: “The unambitious climate plans submitted by G-7 members represent a violation of the human rights of billions of people.  These are not administrative failures, they are a devastating, mass-scale assault on human rights.”

Meanwhile, June temperature records continue to fall in many parts of the world.  Five countries in the Middle East have topped 50 degrees Celsius this week — or more than 122 degrees Fahrenheit.  And much of the U.S. continues to bake in extreme heat, with weekend highs in parts of South Dakota and Minnesota topping 100 degrees.