Chapter 36, Problem 1SA

Why are carbon dioxide emissions a concern?

To determine

The concern for reasons behind emissions of carbon dioxide.

Explanation of Solution

The most basic and common element of life on earth is carbon. A colorless gas having density sixty percent higher than dry air generated upon burning of fuels. Human bodies are made up of carbon including the air we breath and crops we grow. The air we breathe, carbon present is used by plants for the process of photosynthesis.

Carbon dioxide is formed from the burning of fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide emission has caused greenhouse effect one of the serious problems in polluting the environment. It absorbs the heat from atmosphere and making the earth surface warmer. This has increased the average temperature by fifty-nine-degree Fahrenheit. Emission of carbon dioxide is released into atmosphere when any fossil fuel containing carbon is burnt. Plants absorbs carbon dioxide to build their and thus bringing level of carbon dioxide from atmosphere.

So, emission of carbon dioxide is really a concern as it is the major cause greenhouse effect.

Due to emission of carbon dioxide the water of oceans is becoming more acidic. Thus, affecting the life of water animals. Global warming is result of excess amount of carbon dioxide. It has alone contributed sixty-six percent in global warming. Excessive emission of carbon dioxide has brought following changes in atmosphere:

1. It has increased the level of seas, people living in coastal areas life has be endangered.
2. The supply of water has shrunken as the demand is increasing.
3. It has brought some geographical changes.
4. It has increased the severe weather conditions. Storms are becoming more frequent.
5. It has affected the food supply change also.