Fossil fuel emissions of CO₂ to the atmosphere appear to have leveled off in recent years; however, atmospheric CO₂ concentrations continue to rise. Our simple analysis shows that peaks in the growth rates of human population and fossil fuel emissions have been observed, but the growth rate of atmospheric CO₂ has reached record levels and shows no indication of peaking. Before atmospheric CO₂ concentrations can be stabilized at safe levels, a peak in the CO₂ growth rate must be achieved.