ruuhkapitoisuutta

Ruuhkapitoisuus, also known as carbon dioxide concentration or CO2 concentration, refers to the amount of carbon dioxide present in a given volume of air. It is typically measured in parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb). The current global average concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is approximately 415 ppm, as of 2021. This level is significantly higher than the pre-industrial average of about 280 ppm.

The primary source of increased CO2 levels is the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, for energy production and transportation. Deforestation also contributes to higher CO2 concentrations by reducing the number of trees available to absorb CO2 through photosynthesis.

Elevated CO2 levels have significant implications for the Earth's climate. CO2 is a greenhouse gas, meaning it traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to the greenhouse effect. This effect leads to global warming and climate change, which can result in various environmental impacts, including rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and changes in ecosystems.

Monitoring CO2 levels is crucial for understanding and mitigating climate change. Various methods are used to measure CO2 concentrations, including direct sampling of air and remote sensing techniques. Organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Mauna Loa Observatory maintain long-term records of atmospheric CO2 levels to track changes over time.