Climate change has been a topic of great concern for the past few decades, with much of the global population warming up to the idea that anthropogenic activities are having a considerable impact on the planet. In particular, greenhouse gases are noted to be the most significant contributor to global warming, though this has been met with much dispute. While there are a number of different gases that play a role in climate change, this article will focus on the one that contributes most significantly: carbon dioxide (CO2).
From a scientific perspective, CO2 is by far the most important of all the greenhouse gases, as it is thought to contribute 65 percent of global warming, according to findings published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2013. This is two and a half times greater than the second highest contributor – methane – and around five times greater than the third highest, nitrous oxide. It is for this reason that CO2 has come under intense scrutiny in recent years, with emissions reduction measures deemed necessary for cutting emissions substantially and alleviating some of the more serious consequences of climate change.
CO2 is also known to be particularly detrimental as it can remain in the atmosphere for centuries, meaning that in the short-term, its full impact will be felt for many years to come. This feature has a hand in making it so influential and forms the foundation for much of the debate surrounding the action – and lack thereof – taken against it. As the biggest contributor to global warming, CO2 is a serious problem and requires decisive and comprehensive immediate action to tackle it effectively.
On the other hand, concentrations of CO2 are also known to vary depending on seasonal fluctuations, human activity and even natural catastrophes. In addition, despite warnings from experts and researchers, many countries remain slow to take decisive action against CO2, which is difficult to enforce on a global scale. This can be in part attributed to the fact that the economic and political cost of mitigation is substantial, leaving countries uncertain about how best to proceed going forward.
Ultimately, CO2 remains the primary gas trapping heat in the atmosphere, contributing significantly to global warming and climate change. Taking into account these facts when discussing the topic, it is clear that effective action on an international level is needed to ensure that emissions of this greenhouse gas are reduced to as low a level as possible. This could take the form of implementing renewable energy sources to a greater degree, as well as enforcing more strict legislation and incentivizing businesses to adhere to these regulations.
With this in mind, it is important for the global population to recognize the dangers associated with CO2 emissions and to work towards a more sustainable future. After all, greenhouse gases in general – and CO2 in particular – are having an increasingly significant effect on the planet, making immediate action essential in mitigating the episodes of extreme weather, sea-level rise and other related phenomena.