The part carbon dioxide plays in environmental processes

Carbon dioxide plays an important part in vital plant and animal process, such as photosynthesis and respiration.

Environmental problems - the greenhouse effect

Greenhouse gasses absorb some of the heat and trap it near the earth's surface, so that the earth is warmed up. This process, commonly known as the greenhouse effect. The amount of heat in the troposphere depends on concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gasses and the amount of time these gasses remain in the atmosphere. The most important greenhouse gasses are carbon dioxide, CFC's (Chlor-Fluoro-Carbons), nitrogen

Carbon dioxide and health

The primary health dangers of carbon dioxide are: - Asphyxiation. Caused by the release of carbon dioxide in a confined or unventilated area. This can lower the concentration of oxygen to a level that is immediately dangerous for human health. - Frostbite. Solid carbon dioxide is always below -78 oC at regular atmospheric pressure, regardless of the air temperature. Handling this material for more than a second or two without proper protection can cause serious blisters, and other unwanted effects. Carbon dioxide gas released from a steel cylinder, such as a fire extinguisher, causes similar effects. - Kidney damage or coma. This is caused by a disturbance in chemical equilibrium of the carbonate buffer. When carbon dioxide concentrations increase or decrease, causing the equilibrium to be disturbed, a life threatening situation may occur.

How is global warming measured?

Ice Core Data

CO2 Measurements Before 1958 - Antarctica

CO2 Atmospheric Measurements

CO2 Measurements Since 1958 Mauna Loa, Hawaii

1000 Years of CO2 and Global Warming

Temperature (Northern Hemisphere)
Degree Celsius Increase Parts Per Million
1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 1000

CO2 Concentrations

1200

1400

1600

1800

Year

Year

2000

Global

Warming:
Shifting Gears

Billions of Metric Tons Carbon

2007

Goal: Reductions in CO2 Per Year