kasvuhoonegaasidCO2

KasvuhoonegaasidCO2, commonly referred to as carbon dioxide, is a naturally occurring chemical compound with the formula CO2. It is a colorless gas that is neither flammable nor corrosive. In the Earth's atmosphere, carbon dioxide plays a crucial role in regulating temperature through the greenhouse effect. Sunlight passes through the atmosphere and warms the Earth's surface. The Earth then radiates this heat back as infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases, including CO2, absorb some of this outgoing infrared radiation and re-emit it in all directions, trapping some of the heat and preventing it from escaping into space. This natural process keeps the planet warm enough to support life.

Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for energy, transportation, and industrial processes, have significantly increased the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution. Deforestation also contributes to rising CO2 levels, as trees absorb CO2 during photosynthesis.

Elevated levels of CO2 and other greenhouse gases are widely considered by the scientific community to be the primary driver of anthropogenic climate change, leading to global warming and its associated impacts on weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems. Efforts to mitigate climate change focus on reducing CO2 emissions through transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable land-use practices.