While carbon dioxide (CO2) is vital for plant photosynthesis and a natural component of the Earth’s atmosphere, its excessive levels in the atmosphere are considered a pollutant due to its contribution to the greenhouse effect and climate change. Specifically, increased CO2 concentrations trap heat, leading to global warming and its associated consequences.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Essential for Life:
CO2 is a necessary ingredient for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, producing sugars and oxygen.
Greenhouse Gas:
CO2 is a major greenhouse gas, meaning it absorbs and traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Human Impact:
Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, have significantly increased CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere.
Pollution:
Excessive CO2, particularly in concentrations exceeding natural levels, is considered a pollutant because of its harmful effects on the planet’s climate and ecosystems.
Climate Change:
The increased concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere leads to global warming, which can have a range of negative impacts, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changes in ecosystems.