Atmospheric carbon dioxide refers to the colorless, odorless gas present in Earth's atmosphere, primarily composed of carbon and oxygen atoms. It is one of the most significant greenhouse gases contributing to climate change and global warming. The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is measured in parts per million (ppm), with historical levels typically ranging between 180 and 300 ppm.
The main sources of atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions include the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, industrial processes, and transportation. Additionally, deforestation and land use changes contribute to carbon dioxide release, as plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis but release it when they decay or are burnt.
Atmospheric carbon dioxide plays a crucial role in the Earth's energy balance by trapping heat from the sun, leading to the greenhouse effect. Excessive carbon dioxide levels contribute to rising temperatures, altering climate patterns, and causing detrimental effects such as melting glaciers, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and disrupted ecosystems.
Scientists closely monitor atmospheric carbon dioxide levels through various methods, including direct air sampling and satellite measurements. The Keeling Curve, a graph showcasing the continuous increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations since the 1950s, is a significant indicator of human impact on the atmosphere.
Efforts to mitigate further increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable energy practices, renewable energy sources, afforestation, and carbon capture and storage technologies. These measures aim to stabilize and ultimately decrease the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.
