Among the most important sources of greenhouse gas emissions is CO2 (carbon dioxide). CO2 is an invisible, non-volatile compound that absorbs infrared radiation. The molecules of carbon dioxide have one carbon atom double bonded to two oxygen atoms.
Carbon cycle
Among its many benefits, the carbon cycle is responsible for keeping our planet cooler. It plays a key role in the biochemistry of living cells and plants.
The carbon cycle is made up of two primary components. First, there is the chemical, inorganic carbon. This is absorbed by the oceans and surface water, where it is eventually released as bicarbonate ions.
The second part of the cycle involves the more biologically relevant, carbon-based component. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is pulled from the atmosphere and used to make food for plant growth. As an end product, a weak acid is formed that falls to the surface in rain.
The fastest part of the carbon cycle is the movement of carbon through the biosphere. This takes a few months, or days in the case of short-term cycles.
Greenhouse gases
Increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has consequences for the health and environment of people and animals. Atmospheric CO2 levels have risen by about 50% since the mid-18th century.
Human activity is a major source of increasing the concentration of various greenhouse gases. The main source of CO2 emissions is burning fossil fuels. These are used in transportation, electricity production, and for heating. In addition, deforestation releases up to 4.8 billion metric tons of carbon into the atmosphere annually.
There are also several other processes that produce CO2 without combustion. These include natural decay of organic matter, volcanic outgassing, and respiration by aerobic organisms.
The most important greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO2). It absorbs infrared radiation from the Earth’s surface. When this radiation is reradiated back to the Earth, it supercharges the natural greenhouse effect. This causes the temperature of the Earth to rise.
Human health
During the last few decades, Americans have been exposed to increased amounts of CO2 in the air they breathe. There are many ways that climate change can affect human health. Some of these ways include decreased temperature extremes, changes in rainfall, and insect distribution. Others are more specific to individual populations. Some diseases may become more common, while others may decrease in frequency or severity.
One of the most direct ways that climate change can affect human health is by increasing CO2 levels. High concentrations can lead to dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
In addition, low concentrations can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone problems. Chronic exposure can result in kidney calcification.
The best way to avoid building up CO2 is by ensuring adequate ventilation in buildings. Unfortunately, not everyone has the resources to do this.
Global warming
Increasing global warming caused by CO2 has important implications for agriculture and human health. It is estimated that doubling the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere will increase global surface temperature by about three degrees. This could impede the ability of crops to grow, and cities to remain livable.
The “greenhouse effect” is the idea that adding CO2 to the atmosphere will absorb some of the incoming radiation. This can be achieved by refraction, reflection, and snow caps. The quantity of CO2 absorption is a function of the concentration.
The best estimate for the global warming caused by CO2 is a doubling of CO2 levels over the next fifty to seventy years. This prediction is based on numerous uncertainties. Some models predict ocean warming for this sensitivity.
Sources of CO2 emissions
Identifying the sources of CO2 emissions is important for understanding how the world is warming. The United States is one of the two largest global CO2 emitters.
The US energy sector produces the highest share of total CO2 emissions. This is due to the burning of petroleum fuels to produce electricity. This accounts for 36% of the US CO2 emissions.
Other major energy sectors include transportation, buildings and industry. These sectors are responsible for up to 60 percent of total global CO2 emissions. Agricultural activities produce smaller quantities of CO2 emissions.
Agricultural emissions are caused by the decomposition of organic matter, land use activities, and forest fires. Other small sources are the burning of crop residues and CO2 from liming.
The power sector is the second largest energy consuming sector. Natural gas and coal are the leading energy sources for electricity generation. The power sector accounted for 21% of the annual energy-related CO2 emissions in 2000. The sector is projected to grow until 2050.
Founded in 2009, the SQM Club is an organization which works to promote environmental preservation and sustainable development. It aims to improve the air quality index and help people live more environmentally friendly lives. It offers a number of useful tools for people to measure their carbon footprint and find ways to reduce the effects of their actions on the environment. It is a non-profit organisation which has more than a thousand members all over the world.
