When contemplating the case of global warming, it is difficult to escape the sheer enormity of the biodiversity it threatens to annihilate. There is an abundance of evidence which points to a human-induced global climate crisis, with a vast number of studies highlighting the detrimental effects of carbon emissions and other noxious gases on the environment. Scientists are still debating, however, whether the simple act of breathing can be considered a direct or contributing factor in causing global warming, and there is a wide spectrum of opinion on this matter.
Primarily, the main context in which breathing becomes an issue is the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, with the average human exhaling around 2.3 kg of CO2 every year. This is approximately 1/4500th of the average yearly carbon emissions from a single person. While seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme of things, it has been argued that oceanic CO2 absorption is limited and that the ongoing exhalation of CO2 over time is having a cumulative impact on the environment.
In addition, the science behind climate change is increasingly well-understood by experts. This has allowed researchers to study the particular consequences of our actions throughout the world, showing that activities such as deforestation, transportation and animal husbandry are contributing to global warming. It has left breath as another potential issue to consider, alongside these larger-scale emissions.
Moreover, it can be argued that there have been efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, with some countries committing to renewable energy sources and encouraging carbon-neutral modes of transportation. Yet, research has shown that breathing still plays a role in escalating global temperatures, as part of a wider environmental impact that cannot be ignored. While it can be minimized by altering the lifestyles of individuals, for instance by reducing the amount of red meat consumed, it is still necessary to recognize the essential contributor that breathing is making in the face of global warming.
The United Nations has also noted the influence of human respiration, not only calling for urgent emissions cuts but also advocating for a greener lifestyle. This is largely based around the idea of increasing individual consciousness when it comes to global warming, including the need to reduce the amount of CO2 emitted through respiration. Indeed, initiatives to combat the growth of CO2 – such as planting trees – have been gaining traction over recent years, emphasizing the centrality of ‘breathing’ in the global warming crisis.
In conclusion, the results of an increase in human respiration are evidently complex, but can no longer be disregarded when discussing the global warming crisis. While the extent of our direct impact is debatable, the fact that we are making an impact is not – this should inspire us to rethink and regulate our behavior, ultimately resulting in a change in our global outlook. The need for more sustainable practices can no longer be disregarded, presenting us all with the opportunity to realize that we are all part of the climate change problem, and that we all need to fix it.
