Introduction
The current increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from burning fossil fuels is disrupting the balance of global natural ecosystems. Although reversing the effects entirely is impossible, plants offer a solution: they can help reduce the excess CO2 in the atmosphere, thereby mitigating the impact of climate change. However, the consequences for life on land and in the oceans could be severe if emissions continue to rise without control.
How Plants Reduce Excess Carbon Dioxide in the Air
Plants are a natural way to reduce excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Through photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into energy, releasing oxygen in the process. This process helps to maintain the balance of gases in the atmosphere and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. Additionally, plants help store carbon in the soil, preventing it from entering the atmosphere (Gamage, 2018). The more plants are planted, the more carbon dioxide can be removed from the atmosphere.
The Potential Consequences for Life of the Rise of Carbon Dioxide Emissions
The consequences of the continued rise in CO2 emissions from fossil fuel consumption are far-reaching. They could be devastating for both terrestrial and oceanic life. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, the land may be vulnerable to droughts, wildfires, habitat destruction, and disruptions to the food chain. Simultaneously, the ocean is experiencing acidification due to elevated carbon dioxide levels, leading to coral bleaching and disruption of the food chain (Soeder, 2021). Moreover, increased temperatures could lead to more extreme storms and rising sea levels, posing a significant threat to coastal communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using plants to lower excess carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere can help mitigate the effects of climate change. However, the burning of fossil fuels, if left unchecked, could bring about grave repercussions for both land and sea creatures, potentially destroying habitats, disrupting food chains, and harming coastal communities. Hence, taking action to reduce emissions and safeguard the environment and Earth is critical.
References
Gamage, D., Thompson, M., Sutherland, M., Hirotsu, N., Makino, A., & Seneweera, S. (2018). New insights into the cellular mechanisms of plant growth at elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. Plant, Cell & Environment, 41(6), 1233-1246. Web.
Soeder, D.J. (2021). Fossil fuels and climate change. In: Fracking and the Environment. Springer, Cham. Web.