Carbon dioxide trends
in the last 40 years
Introduction
Carbon dioxide is
a colorless and odorless gas formed by burning of fossil fuels. Though it plays
an important role in photosynthesis and fire extinguishing; an increase in
carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere would lead to increased temperatures
due to its heat retention capability.
According to the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric administration, carbon dioxide levels have
tremendously increased in the last 40 years (Thoning 8565). A study by this
institution indicates that the annual rise in carbon dioxide levels is still
high despite efforts to contain it. This is because of the following reasons:-
Sources of carbon dioxide emissions
Industrial
emissions
The emission of
gases by industries contributes largely to the increase in carbon dioxide
levels in the atmosphere. This is because many manufacturing and processing
industries use fossil fuels which when burnt produce carbon dioxide. These
industries include the oil processing industries, cement manufacturing
industries, chemical manufacturing industries etc
Transportation
The development of
the transport sector has contributed to carbon dioxide emissions. The vehicles,
aero planes, ships and trains use fossil fuels which emit carbon dioxide as
waste products. In comparison to the last 40 years, more people own cars hence
increasing the amount of carbon dioxide produced. Even though efforts have been
made to use non pollutant means of transport such as electric trains; the
carbon dioxide gas emitted are still very high.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the
amount of carbon dioxide levels has increased in the last 40 years. This is as
a result of industrialization and transport emissions. Therefore, the
government needs to put up measures of containing further increase in the
levels of carbon dioxide.
Works
cited
Thoning,
K. et. al. atmospheric carbon dioxide at Mauna Loa observatory 2. Analysis of
the NOAA GMCC data, 1974-1985, J. Geophys. Research, vol. 94 (1989)
8549-8565. Print
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