Origins & Early Life

Charles David Keeling (April 20, 1928 – June 20, 2005) was an American scientist whose recording of atmospheric carbon dioxide at the Mauna Loa Observatory confirmed Svante Arrhenius's proposition (1896) of the possibility of anthropogenic contribution to the greenhouse effect and global warming, by documenting the steadily rising carbon dioxide levels. The Keeling Curve measures the progressive buildup of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere. Keeling was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Ralph Keeling and Grace L Keeling (née Sherberne). His father, an investment banker, excited interests of astronomy in a 5-year-old Charles, while his mother instilled a lifelong love of music.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He graduated with a degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois in 1948. Charles Keeling earned a PhD in chemistry from Northwestern University in 1953 under Malcolm Dole, a polymer chemist. Most of Dole's graduates were going straight into the oil industry; Keeling "had trouble seeing the future this way" and had become interested in geology, for which he had acquired most of the undergraduate coursework during his PhD. Keeling had applied for postdoctoral...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Alexander Bogdanov — Contemporary (Died in 1928) (1928): Polymath philosopher, pioneer of blood transfusion, and key Bolshevik revolutionary.
• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Contemporary (Died in 2005) (2005): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances and masterful impersonation.
• Andrea Dworkin — Contemporary (Died in 2005) (2005): Radical feminist writer and activist known for analyzing pornography and patriarchal violence.
• Anne Bancroft — Contemporary (Died in 2005) (2005): Versatile American actress celebrated for her profound method acting prowess.
• 3rd Dalai Lama — Shared historical date (04-20 · Died) (1588): Founding figure of the Dalai Lama lineage, pivotal to Gelug school's rise in Tibet.
• Aloysius Bertrand — Shared historical date (04-20 · Born) (1807): French Romantic poet, pioneer of prose poetry, and Symbolist forerunner.
• Adam Ferguson — Shared historical date (06-20 · Born) (1723): Scottish philosopher, historian, and 'father of modern sociology'.
• Amos Tutuola — Shared historical date (06-20 · Born) (1920): Pioneering Nigerian author blending Yoruba folklore with modern literary forms.
• 1928 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1928
• April 20 (04-20) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on April 20
• 2005 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2005
• June 20 (06-20) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 20