Hobbies And Interests
Home  >> Science & Nature >> Nature

The Effects of Elevated CO2 Concentrations

Increased levels of carbon dioxide have a negative effect on both a micro and macro level. On a micro level, inhaling high concentrations of carbon dioxide, typically in a confined space, can lead to considerable physiological effects and, ultimately, to death. On a macro level, increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can lead to dramatic changes in the global climate due to enhanced greenhouse effects.
  1. Effects on Humans

    • Increased levels of carbon dioxide, when inhaled, can lead to negative effects on the respiratory system and, ultimately, the depression of the central nervous system. Initial effects include the feeling of being unable to breathe, called dyspnea. Further exposure can lead to increased pulse rates, headaches, dizziness, sweating, restlessness and disorientation. These symptoms can grow to include decreased mental performance, impaired hearing, nausea and vomiting. Ultimately, exposure to high levels can lead to loss of consciousness and death.

    Effects on the Earth and Atmosphere

    • Carbon dioxide levels are very low in the atmosphere and no foreseeable increase would threaten human breathing. However, an increased level of carbon dioxide has another, entirely different, affect on the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is the primary contributor to the Earth's greenhouse effect. This effect is similar to an insulating blanket, necessary to maintain a livable temperature on the planet. Without natural greenhouse warming, the average temperature on Earth would plunge below zero every night. However, too much greenhouse warming can do the opposite, known as the enhanced greenhouse effect.

    Greenhouse Effect

    • The Earth is warmed by solar radiation from the sun. Nearly half of this radiation is visible light, which has a short wave length. This energy passes through the atmosphere, where it warms the surface. This heat is then radiated back into the atmosphere as infrared radiation. Infrared radiation has a much smaller wavelength which is absorbed and reflected by greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide. This causes a rise in temperatures at the surface. If levels of greenhouse gases are artificially raised, so are the enhanced greenhouse effect and global temperatures.

    Greenhouse Gases

    • The primary greenhouse gases are water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide. Of these, carbon dioxide has the largest impact. Atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide have risen from around 270 parts per million prior to 1800 to around 380 parts per million as of 2003. The beginning of the rise in carbon dioxide levels corresponds to the industrial revolution, as the primary source is the burning of fossil fuels. Even more alarming is the fact that nearly 60 percent of this increase has occurred since 1958. The possible effects of this rise in carbon dioxide levels include the melting of snow caps and polar ice, sea level rises, changes in meteorological patterns and changes in oceanic currents.


https://www.htfbw.com © Hobbies And Interests