Understanding how to read CO₂ graphs

Scientists use graphs to efficiently show a lot of data. The graphs we show present the atmospheric CO₂ concentration measurements collected over some time frame. The newest data are always shown on the right hand side of the graph with older measurements to the left; the higher the line on the graph the larger the CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere. Using graphs like these, scientists can easily see how the atmospheric CO₂ concentrations are changing up and down with time.