The discussion centers on the comparison of greenhouse gas emissions from volcanic eruptions versus those produced by human activities since the industrial revolution. It is clarified that volcanic emissions of CO2 are significantly lower, estimated at approximately 1% of anthropogenic emissions. While some argue that volcanic activity can release more greenhouse gases during intense eruptions, the consensus is that over a year, human emissions far exceed those from volcanoes. The conversation also touches on the role of volcanic aerosols, which can cool the Earth by increasing its albedo. Claims that volcanoes emit more CO2 than human activities are labeled as common denialist arguments that have been debunked. Overall, the debate highlights the importance of understanding the sources and impacts of greenhouse gases in the context of global warming, emphasizing that historical volcanic emissions do not influence current climate change dynamics.
