CO2 & Global Warming

CO2 & Global Warming

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most common greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and is regulated through the natural carbon cycle, where carbon dioxide is emitted into the air and reabsorbed by vegetation and water. This cycle is upset by the emission of additional carbon dioxide from human activities. Because natural cycles cannot absorb these additional emissions, a large portion of carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere and increases climate change. Carbon dioxide is produced by all animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms during respiration and is used by plants during photosynthesis Carbon dioxide is not a bad thing, in fact it is esential for life. The problem is the amount that is put into our atmosphere. The primary human source of carbon dioxide is the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation. Small changes as a result of human activities can have a large impact on this delicate balance.

The rate at which humans are pumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere has more than doubled since the 1990s, according to Australian research in the latest report warning about the high rate of emissions accumulating in the atmosphere. The United States is the one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide emissions. Also in the top five countries are China and India. Of the carbon dioxide emissions arising from fossil fuel combustion around 40% is a result of electricity generation, with coal-fired generation being the leading sector. Other stationary sources include industrial, emissions resulting from oil extraction, refinement and transportation, and domestic and commercial fossil fuel use. Globally, transport-related emissions of carbon dioxide are growing rapidly. Road transport dominates these emissions, though off-road, air and marine transport emissions are also significant. The use of petroleum as a fossil fuel for transportation dominates carbon dioxide emissions from this source. About two-thirds of this is from gasoline consumption by motor vehicles and the remainder coming from diesel and jet fuel use in trucks and aircraft.. Carbon dioxide is probably the most significant of the greenhouse gases as it accounts for the largest proportion of the 'trace gases' and is currently responsible for 60% of the 'enhanced greenhouse effect'. Carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for approximately 100 years. Small changes as a result of human activities can have a large impact on this delicate balance.

We can reverse the trend of rising carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Driving more fuel efficient vehicles would be a huge step. With the rise in the price of oil we may be forced into this measure. In our homes we can change to more efficient energy sources along with "reuse, reduce and recycle". We can also make companies more environmentally accountable by patronizning companies that are environmentally friendly instead of doing business with environmentally irresponsable ones..