Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most significant of the greenhouse gases. Volcanic outgassing, organic matter burning and natural decay, and aerobic (oxygen-using) organisms' respiration are all natural sources of atmospheric CO2. On average, these sources are counterbalanced by a collection of physical, chemical, or biological processes known as "sinks," which remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Terrestrial flora, which absorbs CO2 during the photosynthesis process, is a significant natural sink.
What is the normal level of CO2 in the atmosphere?
CO2 levels in the air and probable health issues are as follows: The average outdoor air level is 400 parts per million. 400–1,000 ppm: typical concentration found in inhabited spaces with adequate ventilation. Drowsiness and poor air quality are linked to levels of 1,000–2,000 ppm.
Human activities, on the other hand, increase atmospheric CO2 levels primarily through the combustion of fossil fuels—primarily oil and coal, and secondarily natural gas—for transportation, heating, and electrical power generation, as well as the creation of cement. Forest fires and land clearing are two further examples of anthropogenic origins.
Anthropogenic emissions currently account for around 7 gigatons (7 billion tons) of carbon released into the atmosphere each year. Anthropogenic CO2 emissions account for about 3% of total CO2 emissions from natural sources, and this magnified carbon burden from human activities far surpasses natural sinks' balancing capacity (by as much as 2–3 gigatons per year).
Effects:
Sea levels are rising, and the oceans are warming. Droughts that last longer and are more intense endanger crops, wildlife, and freshwater supplies. The richness of life on our world is threatened by climate change, from polar bears in the Arctic to sea turtles off the coast of Africa.
Ways to reduce global warming?
Improvements to energy efficiency and vehicle fuel economy, increases in wind and solar power, biofuels from organic waste, setting a price on carbon, and protecting forests are all potent ways to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and other gases trapping heat on the planet.
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