Climate & CO₂
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is one of the main greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere. It is naturally produced by living organisms and natural processes, but human activities such as burning fossil fuels have increased CO₂ levels significantly over the last century.
What is CO₂?
CO₂ is a gas composed of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. It is part of the natural carbon cycle and plays an important role in regulating Earth's temperature.
How the CO₂ cycle works
CO₂ moves constantly between the atmosphere, oceans, soil, plants and animals. Plants absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis and convert it into oxygen and biomass. When plants and animals respire or decompose, carbon returns to the atmosphere.
Why trees matter
Trees absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis and store carbon in their wood, roots and surrounding soil. Forest ecosystems therefore play an important role in the global carbon cycle and climate stability.
Interesting facts about CO₂
🌍 CO₂ levels are rising
Before the industrial revolution atmospheric CO₂ concentration was about
280 parts per million (ppm). Today it is over 420 ppm.
🌳 Forests store huge amounts of carbon
Global forests store hundreds of billions of tons of carbon in trees and soil.
🌊 Oceans absorb CO₂
The world's oceans absorb roughly a quarter of the CO₂ emitted by human activity.
🌱 Plants use CO₂ to grow
CO₂ is the raw material plants use in photosynthesis to produce sugars and oxygen.
Climate action
Climate change mitigation includes many approaches: reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, protecting ecosystems and restoring forests. Responsible reforestation projects can be part of a broader climate strategy.