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Monday, March 15, 2010
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MNN.COM > Eco-Glossary

CO2

 
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas that is emitted naturally through the carbon cycle, and through activities like the burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas and coal), solid waste, trees and wood products, and also as a result of other chemical reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement). Carbon dioxide is also removed from the atmosphere (or "sequestered") when it is absorbed by plants as part of the biological carbon cycle.
 
Since the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s, human activities (e.g. burning of fossil fuels and deforestation) have dramatically increased CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. High CO2 levels in the atmosphere contribute directly to climate change. In 2005, global atmospheric concentrations of CO2 were 35 percent higher than they were before the Industrial Revolution. (Source: EPA / Photo: Flickr)
 

Recent Stories


Weekend links: Green blogger's edition

Fri, Feb 19 2010 at 3:43 PM EST

Saving the Hollywood sign, finding the best greener celebrity websites, making fun of Monsanto, and tracking endangered sharks and tigers.


New DNA-like crystals capture carbon 400% more effectively

Wed, Feb 17 2010 at 7:38 PM EST

Breakthrough 'crystal' captures CO2 and could one day turn it into a fuel or turn water into hydrogen.


'Thermal wimps': Florida cold snap freezes corals to death

Thu, Feb 11 2010 at 2:34 PM EST

Conservancy marine scientist Meaghan Johnson dives to survey the damage to coral reefs off Florida's coast and tells us what it means for reef resilience.


Basalt formations may turn CO2 into limestone

Wed, Jan 13 2010 at 2:17 PM EST

New analysis of basalt rock formations on the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. reveals the possibility of cleaner coal.


Tuesday links: Food rules, global warming, and the science of climate change

Tue, Jan 12 2010 at 1:57 PM EST

Rolling Stone uncovers the polluters and deniers holding back efforts to fight global warming, Germany steps up its emissions cutting game, and Michael Pollan has some new easy rules for healthy eating.


Watch: Real time global CO2 emissions

Tue, Dec 22 2009 at 11:37 AM EST

What does a ton of CO2 look like and how much is being pumped into the air right now?


Questions and answers about the EPA action on warming

Tue, Dec 08 2009 at 4:31 AM EST

Here's why six greenhouse gases were classified as pollutants that threaten the health and welfare of Americans, and what that means for you.


Grist goes off on Annie Leonard's Story of Cap & Trade

Tue, Dec 01 2009 at 9:50 PM EST

Grist's David Roberts thinks Annie Leonard doesn't really understand the real Story of Cap & Trade.


What's up with Copenhagen?

Tue, Nov 24 2009 at 12:41 AM EST

This is the first in a series that examines both the promise and the pitfalls of the upcoming climate talks in Copenhagen.


Carbon cubes and floating spheres

Sun, Nov 15 2009 at 2:44 AM EST

Two art projects attempt to put shape (and color) to that invisible foe -- carbon dioxide.


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