What is Carbon Dioxide (CO2)?
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a naturally occurring gas, and it is the most significant of the greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. It is released through natural processes, such as respiration and volcanic eruptions, and it can also be released through human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
How does CO2 affect the environment?
CO2 is a key contributor to climate change. When too much of it is released into the atmosphere, it traps heat that would normally escape into space, resulting in higher temperatures on the planet. This can lead to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and the loss of biodiversity, all of which have a damaging effect on the environment.
How much CO2 is harmful?
The answer to this question depends on the context. Generally speaking, higher levels of CO2 are more likely to have a negative effect on the environment. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the global average concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has increased from 280 parts per million (ppm) in pre-industrial times to 410 ppm in 2018. This increase is largely due to human activities, and it has been linked to a number of climate-related impacts.
However, the exact threshold for when CO2 becomes harmful is not well understood. The IPCC has set a goal of keeping global average temperatures below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, with a maximum of 2°C. This would require a reduction in CO2 emissions to net zero by the year 2050.
