Final answer:
Between 2015 and 2022, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels continued their upward trend, with a significant increase from pre-industrial levels, largely due to the combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation.
Step-by-step explanation:
From 2015 to 2022, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere continued to increase. This trend is part of a larger pattern of rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations which have seen a notable surge since pre-industrial times. In 2018, the concentration reached 408 parts per million (ppm), a stark rise from the pre-industrial level of 280 ppm. The primary contributors to this increase are the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, activities that release large quantities of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Specifically, the yearly rate of increase in the recent period has been documented at about 2.6 ppm per year. These elevations in CO2 levels are linked with rising global temperatures and broader climatic changes. The continuation of this trend signifies a serious environmental challenge, as higher CO2 levels contribute to global warming and associated climate disturbances with long-term implications for the planet's health and human societies.