This request is from Billy.

I saw this chart a few weeks ago and immediately felt that it was a terrible way to show the data. (Let’s ignore for the moment that with only four numbers, a graphic may not actually be necessary and that having annual data would be helpful). When I sat down and started sketching alternatives, I didn’t love any of them, so I’m seeking help on visualizing just these four numbers–100 years & 4.4 gigatons; 3 years & 6.6 gigatons.

Screen Shot 2014-07-08 at 11.16.46 AM

Alternatively, one could convert the numbers to gigatons per year and just plot it as a simple column chart, etc, but I think the four-number challenge is a bit more interesting.

Screen Shot 2014-07-08 at 9.16.36 PM