Concept explainers
Do you think we should take action to reduce the current levels of CO2 in the atmosphere? Why or why not?
To review:
Whether there is a need to take an action against the increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Introduction:
Carbon dioxide is a colorless gas present in trace amounts in the atmosphere. Its natural sources are volcanoes and geysers. It is a source of life as plants utilize this gas for photosynthesis. The concentration of carbon dioxide has risen in the past few decades after the industrial revolution due to anthropogenic activities like deforestation and burning of fossil fuels.
Explanation of Solution
Carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases and contributes to the greenhouse effect. It traps the solar radiation that reaches the earth and creates an envelope around the earth. As the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere rise, the temperature of the Earth’s blanket also increases. Thus, if nothing is done to control the levels of this gas, polar ice will melt due to soaring temperatures, this would further result in floods, diseases, and death of many organisms.
Carbon dioxide is also a pollutant released from industries by the combustion of fossil fuels to meet their energy needs. It combines with air and the moisture in it to cause acid rain. This acid rain mixes with natural reservoirs of water and lowers the pH (potential of hydrogen) and results in the death of flora and fauna.
Thus, it can be concluded that it is important to take an immediate action against the increasing levels of carbon dioxide. These levels, if are not contained, can further add to global warming and will have serious negative impacts on the environment and the organisms as well.
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Chapter 24 Solutions
Human Biology: Concepts and Current Issues (8th Edition)
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