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Note: The term 'KohlendioxidBi...' appears truncated. This article provides an overview of carbon dioxide (CO2) and related topics. Carbon dioxide is a colorless, nonflammable gas at ambient conditions and a natural component of Earth's atmosphere.

It is formed by respiration, combustion, and certain industrial processes, and it dissolves in water to form carbonic acid. In air, CO2 is present at about 400 parts per million by volume, but concentrations vary locally and temporally. The gas has a higher density than air and is potentially displacing oxygen at high concentrations.

Natural sources include volcanic activity and animal respiration; human activities such as fossil fuel burning, cement production, and land-use change add large amounts to the atmosphere. CO2 is a major greenhouse gas, trapping infrared radiation and contributing to the warming of the climate system. The gas is also involved in ocean chemistry, causing acidification when absorbed.

Industrial uses include carbonation of beverages, food preservation, and as a cooling agent (dry ice). It is employed in fire suppression and as a shielding gas in metallurgy and welding. CO2 is also used as a chemical feedstock for various processes, including the production of urea and methanol under catalytic conditions.

Health and safety considerations emphasize that CO2 is not toxic at low concentrations but can cause asphyxiation in enclosed spaces. Regulations monitor ambient concentrations and emissions from industrial sources. Monitoring networks track atmospheric CO2 to study climate change and carbon cycle dynamics.