(Author’s Institution)
Introduction
In its natural state, Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless and odorless gas. Its significance in preserving life on Earth is demonstrated through Carbon cycle, a process that begins with the use of CO2 by plants for photosynthesis and ends with the release of the same compound into the atmosphere by the dead and decomposed plants and the animals that feed on them. This cycle is continuous and ensures that the supply of Carbon (a vital element of life) is sufficient. This paper, however, focuses on the disastrous effects of excessive CO2, released into the environment.
Overview
CO2, along with a few other gases, is classified as a “Greenhouse Gas." Once released into the atmosphere, these gases absorb thermal infrared radiation from the Earth’s surface and re-radiate in all directions. Atmospheric radiation is emitted to all sides, including downward to the Earth’s surface. Thus, greenhouse gases trap heat within the surface and troposphere system. This is called the “Greenhouse Effect” (Climate Change: 2007). It leads to an increase in the average temperatures of the surface and the Earth.
With the Industrial Revolution in the 18th Century, energy requirements and activities such as burning of coal to produce energy have increased. This result in an excessive production and release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which upsets the natural process and equilibrium of carbon and nitrogen cycles, as, illustrated below: (Environment-Clean-Gen. 2011)
Other greenhouse gases include Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), Troposphere Ozone (O3), Chlorofluorocarbons (CCL2F2) and Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6).
Effects of Excessive CO2
The result of excessive level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is global warming, characterized by an increase in average temperatures globally, which leads to major climate changes. Melting of polar ice caps is accompanied with record-breaking heat, storms, droughts and other calamities across the world.
The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has increased from 280 p.p.m to approximately 400 p.p.m today, due to the rapid industrialization across the globe. As the naturally alkaline seawater absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere, it reacts with Carbon to form Carbonic Acid. This results in the breakdown of Carbonic Acid into bicarbonate and hydronium ions, which lower the water’s pH level. The higher the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, the more it is absorbed into the seawater resulting in more bicarbonate ions and,a sharp decrease in the pH level of seawater. It is estimated that,by the year 2100, the level of acidity in seawater would be three times more than the existing level. It would be devastating for both marine life and human beings. (Andrew Tarantola: 26 March 2014).
A decrease in the pH level of seawater is threatening for many forms of marine life, especially species that build calcium-containing shells. The following problems also arise:
- CO2-induced acidification of body fluids in fishes, leads to slow metabolism and embryonic development;
- A reduction in the availability of calcium carbonate ions means a reduction in species relying on calcium-based shells (e.g. zooplankton and corals);
- Disruption of food chain, since zooplankton and corals are eaten by mollusks, crabs and lobsters, which in turn are eaten by bigger fishes and human beings; and
- All this would lead to a sharp decline in fishing export business, by millions of dollars, and a deprivation of essential fish proteins from our diet.
Prevention Methods
The most important legislation introduced to reducing carbon level from atmosphere is the Kyoto Protocol. It is an international treaty to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which obligates industrialized countries to cut their emissions of greenhouse gases, to address pressing environmental issues. (Catherine Dominguez, 2012).
Brazil introduced a National Climate Change Plan, focused on expanding renewable electricity sources and increasing the use of bio-fuels in the transportation industry
In November 2011, Australian lawmakers approved an ambitious carbon trading plan which makes it the world's largest plan outside of Europe.
Other developing countries assert the need to reduce carbon monoxide and carbon emissions due to industrial and commercial usage of fuel, introduction of fuel-efficient cars, use of catalytic converters and the discovery and use of alternative, renewable energy resources (such as wind and solar energy).
Various initiatives have been launched by NGOs that aim:
References
IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007 (Synthesis Report). http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/syr/en/annexessglossary-e-i.html.Photo obtained from Environment-Clean-Generations (Online Blog). December 2012.
Andrew Tarantola. How Global Warming is Dissolving Sea Life (And what can we do about it).Published at Gizmido Australia; 26 March 2014
Catherine Dominguez. Kyoto Protocol: What it means for Climate change. Published at ECOSEED; 20 November 2012
