Scientists warn that rising carbon dioxide (CO2) levels will have several significant effects on the Earth:
- Global Temperature Rise: Increased CO2 and other greenhouse gases enhance the greenhouse effect, trapping more infrared radiation and causing a rise in average global temperatures on land and in the oceans. Since the Industrial Revolution, CO2 levels have increased by about 50%, contributing to a global temperature rise of approximately 1.09°C from 1850–1900 to recent decades
- Ocean Warming and Acidification: The oceans are warming as they absorb excess heat from the atmosphere, with the global ocean reaching record temperatures. Increased CO2 also leads to ocean acidification, harming marine ecosystems
- Extreme Weather and Climate Impacts: Higher temperatures contribute to earlier springs, hotter summers, increased frequency of heat waves, tropical cyclones, hurricanes, and more intense precipitation events. These changes increase risks such as flooding, wildfire hazards, and heat-related fatalities
- Permafrost Thawing and Carbon Release: Warming causes thawing of Arctic permafrost, which holds large amounts of ancient carbon. Its release as CO2 and methane would further amplify greenhouse gas concentrations and climate change
- Vegetation Changes (CO2 Fertilization): Elevated CO2 can stimulate plant growth, leading to a "greening" effect in many regions, including drylands and forests. This CO2 fertilization effect increases photosynthesis and leaf cover, which may temporarily offset some CO2 emissions. However, scientists caution that this benefit is limited and will not compensate for the broader negative impacts of climate change
In summary, rising CO2 levels drive global warming, ocean warming and acidification, more extreme weather, permafrost carbon feedbacks, and changes in vegetation growth, with the overall consequences posing serious threats to ecosystems, human health, and infrastructure worldwide
