He was never a household name in Hawai'i, but after chemist Charles Keeling brought his climate research project to the slopes of Mauna Loa in 1958, his discoveries helped document one of the most worrisome trends of the late 20th century.

Global warming.

It was Keeling who first proved that atmospheric carbon dioxide was rising, a condition linked to the increased burning of fossil fuels — coal, oil, gas and their derivatives. The greenhouse condition it created could melt the polar icecaps and change the world.

You can hear the story of his life's work today and tomorrow on KHPR (88.1 FM) as part of a yearlong news series on climate changes created by National Public Radio and National Geographic. The series, called "Climate Connections," will feature stories that air on all of NPR's news programs and appear in National Geographic's numerous outlets.

The report on Keeling was prepared by the NPR newsmagazine "Day to Day," which doesn't air in Hawai'i. But local affiliate KHPR decided to air the 11-minute segment in two parts — at 7:30 a.m. today and tomorrow.

"Climate change obviously is an important issue when we talk about global health and global integrity," said Kayla Rosenfeld, news director for KHPR. "If you think about where we are on the globe geographically, we are positioned to feel and experience the affects of climate change. This is a huge spiderweb of human impact on the planet."

Madeleine Brand, co-host of "Day to Day," said she found in Keeling a man driven by his theories.

When he was selected by the head of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, preeminent oceanographer Roger Revelle, Keeling wanted to research carbon dioxide levels on Mauna Loa, because the air at 11,000 feet is free from the belch of industry.

Revelle wanted Keeling to send ships to ocean locations for the tests, Brand said — but the chemist from San Diego held his ground and within two years collected fruitful data from the barren uplands of Mauna Loa.

"He knew he was on to something," Brand said. "He really believed in what he was doing and wouldn't take no for an answer. And now it is the basis for everything that we know about global warming. He is really an important man."

Although obsessed his whole life with his research, Keeling also was deeply involved with his wife and five children. A concert pianist, Keeling involved his children in musical programs. The "Day to Day" report will include sound clips of Keeling at the piano, playing as he often did for his neighbors.

Brand said the story of Keeling's research is not "broccoli news"; with global warming a daily topic, it's important to everyone.

"You hear these words bandied about," she said. "I think it is important for people to understand the foundations for all this. This isn't a boring story about science and CO2 emissions. This is a profile about Keeling and what a fascinating person he was. He has something to say."

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com.