The Impact of Rising CO2 Levels

Parts per million (PPM) is a measure of CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. As of 2021, the level is around 419 PPM, up from 280 PPM in pre-industrial times. This drastic increase contributes to global warming.

For over 800,000 years, CO2 levels fluctuated between 180 and 300 PPM. The current levels are unprecedented in human history, primarily due to fossil fuel burning and deforestation.

High CO2 levels cause ocean acidification, harming marine life. Acidic waters decrease calcium carbonate, essential for shell-building organisms. This threatens the marine food chain and biodiversity.

Higher CO2 levels create feedback loops, like melting permafrost releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. This accelerates warming, leading to more CO2 emissions from natural sources.

To combat rising CO2, strategies include reforestation, carbon capture technologies, and transitioning to renewable energy. Effective policies and international cooperation are crucial for significant reduction.

One volcanic eruption can release more CO2 in a few days than human activities do in a year, but this is quickly absorbed by oceans and forests.