Q22.10P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere by natural processes and from human activity. Why is the latter a cause of concern?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

A ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Global warming is a critical problem in the modern era because of the catastrophic repercussions that result from rising global average temperatures.

Step 1: Atmosphere

The gases that surround a star or planetary body are held in place by gravity and are referred to as the atmosphere. If gravity is high and the temperature of the atmosphere is low, a body is more likely to keep an atmosphere over time.

Step 2: Explanation

As, ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ is a greenhouse gas, which means it absorbs and emits radial energy within the thermal infrared range, generating the greenhouse effect. Increased carbon dioxide generation due to human activity is a cause for concern. Carbon emissions are produced by a variety of human activities, including the combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation. The annual ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ emissions caused by human activity have increased from $5$ billion to over $35$ billion tonnes in the last century, and the average global temperature has climbed by $1°\mathrm{C}$ .  

Global warming induced by greenhouse gas emissions has a profound impact on the biosphere, resulting in severe storms, floods, heat waves, and wildfires, among other things. The implications are severe: limited access to drinking water, wildlife extinction, air pollution, rising sea levels, and more acidic oceans.

Therefore, it contributes to global warming which leads to rise in temperatures.