Mauna Loa Atmospheric Observatory is one of the places where they study the atmospheric concentrations of CO2, so that global warming causes are controlled, and further predictions can be made.
This is some of the research they have collected for more than 60 years. It shows an increasing concentration of CO2 in ppm (Parts per million), that has increased all the way from 320ppm to 420ppm, and now in 2022, the highest yet has been recorded at 421ppm. This shows that CO2 concentrations are increasing, and this is one of the mayor causes of global warming.
CO2 is a threat
Carbon dioxide is one of the main greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, this means it causes global warming by trapping heat from the sun, increasing the temperature of the atmosphere. This causes other catastrophic changes in the environment like: increased acidity and temperature in oceans, ocean levels rising, and also the probability of weather disaster increase, increasing the frequency of tornados, tsunamis and earthquakes.
But Carbon dioxide also has risks to humans, which ‘www.dhs.wisconsin.gov’ says Carbon dioxide effects on humans may include “headaches, dizziness, restlessness, a tingling or pins or needles feeling, difficulty breathing, sweating, tiredness, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, coma, asphyxia, and convulsions”. This of course decreases the life expectancy and health of humans.
What can we do about it?
We all have to try to lower the emissions of Carbon dioxide, this means trying to burn as little fuel. For this we must be conscious and use other alternative, more environmentally friendy transports like bikes, public transport, and even electric cars. Electric cars are put into the roup of ‘enviromentally friendsly’ because electricity an be generated renewably. this is the most important alternative to combustion of fuels, because renewable forms of energy are sustainable, and safe for theenvironment. These alternatives include: Solar, Geothermal, Wind, Biomass, and hydropower. With these we can have renewable energy to power our houses and cars, without emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, reducing the causes of global warming.
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Written by Pablo Gasca Aristeguieta
An interesting article about a worrying trend that isn't show much sign of changing. You are right to note that we all, particularly the younger generation, need to take this on and take it seriously.