How can I calculate how many tons of CO2 have been emitted by human kind into the atmosphere since 1987 when it was 350 ppm (and is now 410 ppm)?

Answer 1

In order to calculate how many tons of CO₂ has been generated by human kind to increase the concentration from 350 ppm (in 1987) to 410 ppm (today), requires the knowledge of the mass of the atmosphere. K.Trenberth and C. Guillemot* have estimated that the earth's atmosphere has a mass of about 5.1441 x 10¹⁸ kilograms. Therefore, to increase the CO₂ content of the atmosphere by 61 ppm:

61 x 5.1441 x 10¹⁸ / 10⁶ = 313.78 x 10¹² Kg CO₂ . Converting this number in Kg to US tons = 313.78 x 10¹² Kg /907.185 kg per ton = 3.46 x 10¹¹ tons CO₂. So, adding

3.46 x 10¹¹ tons CO₂ into the atmosphere increases its concentration by 61 ppm.

acquired from https://doi.org/10.1029/94JD02043