This isn't too much of a surprise to environmentalists, but to those hoping this whole global warming thing would simply go away, the news ain't looking so good. Researchers announced today that concentrations of greenhouse gases are at a new high in the atmosphere — coming in at 390ppm (parts per million). This shatters the old record of 388ppm set back in, well, 2005.

For comparisons sake, the level of gases before the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century was 270ppm. Scientists are blaming an ever-increasing contribution of emissions from Asian industries as one of the culprits for the increase. Additionally, more coal-fired power plants, factories, cars, etc. all add up to what is the highest concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere in 650,000 years. Bummer.

As Spring approaches, the gas levels will start to drop off as more plants send out leaves to soak up the abundance. According to the article, "Southern hemisphere seasons have less effect since there are fewer land masses — and plants — south of the equator." However, we can expect this trend of record-setting highs to continue year-after-year unless we figure out a way to curb global emissions. This is an incredible challenge; especially when you consider China is opening coal-fired power plants at the rate of almost one a week!

So, the problem is not going away. It's up to each of us to find our own solutions to reducing our impact on the planet. If we hold ourselves accountable, we can move on to setting in motion the power to influence our neighbors, communities, governments, nations, and beyond. As quickly as we've placed ourselves in this predicament, we can just as easily work together to find a solution. Sitting on this problem will only make us break more records. In this scenario, there's nothing gained by being first.

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