Scientists say the northern lights are created by the sun's super hot atmosphere, which blasts particles into the protective magnetic field surrounding the Earth.

CNN: 'Dancing lights' draw thousands to frozen north

"This number is a reminder that for the last 150 years and especially over the last several decades we have been recklessly polluting the protective sheath of atmosphere that surrounds the Earth and protects the conditions that have fostered the flourishing of our civilization, " Gore said in a statement.

NPR: Greenhouse Gas Milestone; CO2 Levels Set Record