History of Climate Change

Exploring the key moments and discoveries in our understanding of climate change.

1800s

Industrial Revolution

The beginning of large-scale fossil fuel use and increased CO2 emissions.

1938

First Climate Warning

Guy Stewart Callendar connects CO2 emissions to warming.

1958

Keeling Curve

First continuous measurements of atmospheric CO2 levels begin at Mauna Loa.

1988

IPCC Formation

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is established.

2015

Paris Agreement

Global agreement to limit temperature rise to well below 2°C.

Learn More About Climate Science

Discover how our understanding of climate change has evolved and what it means for our future.