Question

Explain why the concentration of carbon dioxide has been rising in the Earth’s atmosphere, identify two ecosystem consequences of this enrichment, and describe some ways the problem can be addressed.

Answer 1

The concentration of carbon-dioxide increasing in the atmosphere is due to many reasons. The primary reason is the combustion of fossil fuels and natural gas which releases a lot of by-products including the carbon-dioxide gas into the atmosphere. Another reason is due to the release of chlorofluorocarbons because of the excessive use of air-conditioners and refrigerators as they are present as important constitiuents of the coolants.

The ecosystem has been severely impacted due to increase in the concentration of the carbon-dioxide gas in the atmosphere. The ozone layer has been damaged and a hole was formed in it due to the release of cholorofluorocarbons and because of the increasing concentrations of carbon-dioxide which has been termed as the greenhouse effect. Further, the ice caps in the polar regions have been melting at a rapid rate due to the elevated temperatures. This has led to a meltdown of the glaciers and a devastating impact on the tundra region.

The problems can be tackled in the following ways:

1)Reduce the cutting down of trees which is a rampant issue and the deforestation is causing bigger problems. The trees are able to utilize carbon-dioxide and keep it from accumulation in the atmosphere.

2)Air pollution due to the release of emmissions from the industries and vehicles should be reduced to a great extent. An alternative of using electric cars can be seriously considered.

3)Clean energy resources especially the renewable resources should be switched over to because of their nature suh as hydraulic energy, solar energy, wind etc.