(06/20/06) NEWARK ? A report issued by the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group warns CO2 levels in the U.S. must be reduced before irreparable damage is done to the planet.

The report, titled ?Carbon Boom,? says CO2 levels have doubled across the United States in the past 40 years. In New Jersey itself, the levels have climbed 34 percent since 1960. Results show the main culprit is pollution from cars, trucks and traffic.

Experts say unless something is done, New Jersey will be prone to more flooding as sea levels rise. In addition, much of the coast could end up under water. Some environmentalists say the report's findings aren?t much of a surprise as CO2 levels have been rising since the industrial revolution. However, they also say the reduction of pollutants should remain a constant goal.