Question

Carbon dioxide is known to be a major contributor to the greenhouse effect. List some of its sources in our atmosphere and some of the processes that remove it. Currently, which predominates - the production of \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) or its removal?

Short answer

The production of CO2 currently predominates over its removal.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Sources of CO2

Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere through several natural and anthropogenic (human-caused) sources. Examples of natural sources include volcanic eruptions, respiration from living organisms, and ocean release. Human activities contributing to CO2 emissions include burning fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and natural gas) for electricity and heat, transportation, and industrial processes.

Identify Processes that Remove CO2

Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere through natural processes such as photosynthesis in plants, where trees and green plants absorb CO2, and by oceanic absorption. Oceans serve as a significant sink as they absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and dissolve it in seawater. Another process involved is the formation of carbonate minerals.

Assess Current Balance between Production and Removal

Currently, the production of CO2 tends to exceed its removal. This is largely due to increased human activities like fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial processes which have augmented the rate of CO2 emissions beyond the natural capacity for removal by photosynthesis and oceanic absorption.

Key concepts

Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is a natural process essential for life on Earth. It works by trapping heat from the sun within the Earth's atmosphere. Gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and water vapor play a crucial role in this process. They allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere, but limit the amount of heat that escapes back into space.

This trapped heat helps to maintain Earth’s temperature, supporting life forms by preventing extreme cold. However, excessive greenhouse gases, like CO2, can enhance the greenhouse effect, leading to a rise in global temperatures. This is referred to as "global warming" and is a major environmental concern.

• Contributes to global climate change
• Leads to unpredictable weather patterns
• Results in rising sea levels

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is a fundamental biological process carried out by plants, algae, and certain bacteria. Through this process, sunlight is captured and used to convert CO2 and water into glucose and oxygen. This not only provides energy for the plants but also plays a vital role in atmospheric regulation by removing CO2 from the air.

Plants transform solar energy into chemical energy, playing a critical role in the carbon cycle. This makes forests, especially rainforests, effective carbon sinks. These processes help reduce the CO2 levels in the atmosphere and mitigate the effects of the greenhouse effect.

• Produces oxygen essential for animal life
• Supports food chains by providing energy-rich compounds
• Acts as a natural air purifier by absorbing atmospheric CO2

Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are formed from the decomposed remains of ancient plants and animals. They are major sources of energy in modern society. Examples include coal, oil, and natural gas. Upon combustion, these fuels release significant amounts of CO2, contributing heavily to the greenhouse effect.

Burning fossil fuels is primarily linked to electricity generation, heating, transportation, and various industrial processes. This has led to an increased concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, thus accelerating climate change.

• Significant source of carbon dioxide emissions
• Non-renewable resource, usually not sustainable long term
• Promotes environmental degradation via mining and drilling

Oceanic Absorption

The earth's oceans are vital in moderating the planet's temperature and carbon levels. Oceans absorb around a quarter of the CO2 added to the atmosphere each year, acting as a significant carbon sink. This absorption occurs when CO2 interacts with seawater and forms carbonic acid.

While oceanic absorption helps in reducing atmospheric CO2, it leads to ocean acidification, which poses a serious risk to marine ecosystems. Corals and shellfish are particularly vulnerable, as acidification affects their ability to form calcium carbonate shells.

• Serves as a buffer against atmospheric CO2 increase
• Contributes to the regulation of the global climate
• Can impact marine biodiversity negatively