Carbon dioxide is an essential component of air. Under what circumstances it creates disturbances in the environment?
CO2 is the most important factor causing the greenhouse effect. It is an essential component of air. However, the following causes an increase in the concentration of CO2 :
1. All industries and machines run on fossil fuels and produce CO2 and other polluting gases.
2. Burning of wood releases CO2
3. Deforestation and overgrazing cause an excess of CO2.
4. Transport sector produces carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
Consequences :
1. If the concentration of CO2 increases, more heat will be trapped which will be radiated back to earth increasing the atmospheric temperature around the earth.
2. The warming of the earth would make the polar ice caps melt further. The water produced by the melting of ice will increase the size of the ocean.
3. The increased temperatures would alter the climate and rainfall, affecting flora and fauna.
4. Human beings will be more vulnerable to diseases as the increased temperature would substantially increase viruses which thrive better in warmer conditions.