The issue of climate change has become one of the major concerns of our time. Debates about greenhouse gas emissions, record temperatures and extreme weather phenomena are omnipresent in the media and political discussions. At the heart of this climate crisis is carbon dioxide (CO2), the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. The year 2022 marked a worrying turning point, with an annual increase in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere that has tripled since the 1960s. This alarming trend raises essential questions about the causes, consequences and actions needed to mitigate the effects of climate change.
CO2 and the climate
Carbon dioxide is a gas that occurs naturally in our atmosphere, but it is its increased concentration due to human activity that is causing concern. The combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas, as well as deforestation, are the main sources of CO2 emissions. These activities release huge quantities of CO2 into the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect that traps the sun’s heat and causes global warming.
Since the 1960s, the annual rate of increase in CO2 concentration has risen considerably. In 2022, the Earth’s atmosphere contained an average of 417 parts per million (ppm) of CO2, an increase of 2.2 ppm on the previous year. This increase is significant, especially as it is three times greater than the average growth measured in the 1960s, which was just 0.8 ppm per year. To better understand this progression, it is useful to compare it with a reference point, the summit of the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii, where CO2 measurements have been carried out for decades. This rapid increase is an alarming sign of the growing imbalance in our climate.
The highest level of CO2 ever recorded
The State of the Climate report points out that the concentration of CO2 in 2022 is « the highest in modern atmospheric records and in paleoclimate records dating back 800,000 years ». This is a fundamental statement, because it demonstrates that we are living through a period without precedent in the history of the Earth in terms of the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. The implications of this reality are profound and varied.
Firstly, it means that our climate is continuing to react to the continuing increase in greenhouse gases and the resulting warming. The consequences of global warming are already visible around the world, with extreme weather events becoming increasingly frequent and severe. American scientists stress the need to act quickly to mitigate these harmful effects.
The Climate Implications of Rising CO2
The rapid increase in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has major implications for our climate and environment. Here are some of the main consequences of this worrying trend:
1- Record temperatures :
The year 2022 was marked by record temperatures on several continents. In Western Australia, thermometers reached peaks of over 50 degrees Celsius, while in the south-west of the United States, temperatures exceeded 47 degrees Celsius. Prolonged heat waves also affected South and East Asia, while China experienced its worst heat wave ever. These extreme weather events have a considerable impact on ecosystems, human health and agriculture.
2- Loss of Glaciers :
Higher temperatures have contributed to increased melting of mountain glaciers. In 2022, we recorded the second greatest loss of mass for mountain glaciers since satellite measurements began in the 1970s. As glaciers melt, sea levels rise, threatening coastal communities around the world.
3- Extensive drought :
Since mid-2019, we have seen a continued expansion of drought-affected areas around the world. In August 2022, a new world record was set, with 20% of the earth’s surface affected by moderate or severe drought. Drought has devastating consequences for agriculture, access to drinking water and food security.
4- Overheating of the oceans :
The oceans, which cover more than two-thirds of the Earth’s surface, play a crucial role in regulating the climate. However, they are also affected by global warming. Nearly 60% of surface waters experienced at least one marine heatwave in 2022. This overheating of the oceans is having devastating effects on marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, and is threatening marine biodiversity.
Consequences of the CO2 Increase on Biodiversity
The impact of CO2 is not limited to climatic aspects; it also has significant repercussions on biodiversity.Consequences of CO2 Increase on Biodiversity Rising concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere can affect terrestrial and marine ecosystems
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