Abstract
This essay examines the concept of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as a contributor to climate change in detail. It begins by giving an overview of CO2 and discussing the sources and sinks of CO2. It then provides an in depth discussion of the impact of humans on the increasing levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. With the increase in human induced emissions, the essay explains the potential dangers related to climate change due to the hazardous effects of CO2 such as global warming, ocean acidification and sea level rise, and discusses some of the proposed solutions to capture and store CO2 emissions.
Introduction
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important element in the atmosphere as it contributes to the Earths extraordinary climate that invited the evolution of human life. It is also one of the critical trace gases responsible for global warming and climate change, which is why its increasing levels due to human activities have attracted attention in recent decades. This paper looks at the sources and sinks of carbon dioxide, the effects of human activities on increasing levels of atmospheric CO2, the potential dangers related to climate change, and how we can reduce the emission of CO2.
Sources and Sinks of Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is an essential component of the Earths atmosphere and vital for sustaining life. CO2 exists in the atmosphere in a range of concentrations, and is in equilibrium with other vital planets such as the ocean, land and within living organisms. Sources of CO2 include natural processes such as respiration, volcanic activity and decomposition, as well as human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, agriculture, and deforestation. These sources of atmospheric CO2 contribute to the increase of atmospheric concentrations.
Sinks of CO2 are those processes that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release it back into Earth’s reservoirs (e.g. oceans, soils and plants). A significant portion of CO2 in the atmosphere is removed naturally by the process photosynthesis, in which plants absorb carbon dioxide, converting it into energy and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. In addition, CO2 can be also removed from the atmosphere by ocean uptake and artificial or natural carbon capture and storage (CCS) techniques.
Effects of Human Activities on Atmospheric CO2 Levels
The human beings significantly contribute to the current levels of CO2 found in the atmosphere. As of 2021, CO2 concentration levels in the atmosphere have risen to over 420 ppm - an increase of 42 percent since pre-industrial levels (Hatch et al., 2017). This has been primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels for energy, which accounts for over 70 percent of human-generated CO2 emissions. Other human activities, including deforestation, agricultural and industrial processes, are also responsible for an additional 27 percent of CO2 emissions (Hatch et al., 2017). As these emissions continue to rise, the levels of CO2 found in the atmosphere are likely to increase significantly, leading to climate change and its associated impacts.
Potential Dangers of Climate Change Due to Increased CO2
Climate change, due to increases in atmospheric CO2 levels, poses significant dangers to the planet. The most significant concern is global warming, in which large-scale increases in temperature can lead to wide-reaching catastrophes. Other potential dangers include ocean acidification (due to increasing levels of CO2 in the ocean), sea level rise (due to melting polar ice caps), and changes in weather patterns (such as droughts, floods, and extreme weather events).
In addition to these environmental risks, there are also potential societal effects. As temperature and weather patterns change, there is a risk of displacement of entire populations, dwindling food sources, and increasing competition for resources. The potential for human suffering is therefore great.
Proposed Solutions
Given the scope of the potential risks associated with increasing CO2 levels, there is an urgent need to reduce human-induced emissions. The most obvious strategy is to reduce the use of fossil fuels and move to more sustainable energy sources, such as solar and wind. However, this transition will not be easy or instantaneous, and other options must be explored.
One such solution is carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. CCS involves capturing atmospheric CO2 and storing it underground in geological formations or in the ocean; it is often seen as a crucial tool for removing CO2 from the atmosphere. The technology is still in its early stages, but progress is being made, and it could have a major impact in reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
Conclusion
The potential consequences of anthropogenic increases in atmospheric CO2 levels are great. Global warming, ocean acidification and sea level rise, and changes in weather patterns could have far-reaching effects and pose a grave risk for our planet. We must take urgent action to reduce emissions and capture and store CO2 emissions, as this is the only way to prevent the worst effects of climate change.
