The Amount of Human CO2 emissions vs. The Scale of our Atmosphere

In summary, the conversation revolved around the impact of human emissions on the atmosphere and the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems. The biology teacher argued that compared to the size of the atmosphere, the amount of harmful gases emitted by humans is minimal and should not be a cause for concern. However, the other person disagreed and suggested offering the teacher a small amount of mercury to demonstrate its harmful effects. The conversation then shifted to discussing the amount of artificial mercury released into the atmosphere and its impact on natural waters. The conversation was then locked as it veered off into a discussion about current climate and predictions.
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engineertard
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My biology teacher asserted to our class that compared to the vastness of the atmosphere of our earth, the amount of harmful gasses we are emitting is a fraction of a percent and therefore can be dismissed as harmless, and instead we should be worrying about more fragile ecosystems down here on top of the crust, like the alarming rate of amphibians going extinct.

So was my biology teacher right, or was she just trying to make a point about taking care of ecosystems?
 
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  • #2
Offer her an amount of mercury insignificant in mass to the size of her body, see how harmless she thinks that is :)
 
  • #3
Offer her an amount of mercury insignificant in mass to the size of her body, see how harmless she thinks that

Well how much artificial mercury has been released to atmosphere and how much to natural waters, like the Lady said?

Carbon dioxide is the fifth most abundant gas in our atmosphere.
 
  • #4
This keeps going off into discussion of current climate and predictions which is a closed topic.

Locked.
 
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Your biology teacher's statement is incorrect and potentially harmful. While it is true that the atmosphere is vast, the concentration of certain gases, such as carbon dioxide, has a significant impact on the Earth's climate and ecosystems. The amount of human CO2 emissions may seem small compared to the overall size of the atmosphere, but it is the concentration of these emissions that is causing concern.

CO2 emissions from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, are increasing the Earth's greenhouse effect, trapping more heat and causing global temperatures to rise. This has already led to changes in weather patterns, sea level rise, and the loss of habitats for many species. These impacts are not dismissible or harmless.

Furthermore, the health of ecosystems, including the survival of amphibians, is closely linked to the health of the planet's climate. As temperatures rise, many species are struggling to adapt and are facing extinction. Therefore, it is important to address both the emission of harmful gases and the protection of fragile ecosystems.

In conclusion, while it is essential to take care of ecosystems, it is equally important to address and reduce human CO2 emissions. The two are interconnected and cannot be dismissed as separate issues. As scientists, it is our responsibility to understand and communicate the impact of human activities on the environment and find solutions to mitigate these harmful effects.
 

1. How does human CO2 emissions contribute to changes in our atmosphere?

Human CO2 emissions are a major contributor to changes in our atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other human activities release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. This excess CO2 traps heat from the sun, leading to an increase in the Earth's average temperature.

2. What is the scale of human CO2 emissions compared to the size of our atmosphere?

The amount of human CO2 emissions is relatively small compared to the size of our atmosphere. The Earth's atmosphere is estimated to contain about 3.2 trillion tons of CO2, while human emissions add approximately 40 billion tons per year. However, even small changes in the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere can have significant impacts on the Earth's climate.

3. How do scientists measure the amount of CO2 in our atmosphere?

Scientists use a variety of methods to measure the amount of CO2 in our atmosphere. One common method is through direct measurements taken from monitoring stations around the world. These measurements are then combined with data from satellite observations and computer models to estimate the global CO2 levels. Another method is through ice core samples, which can provide data on CO2 levels dating back thousands of years.

4. How do natural sources of CO2 compare to human emissions?

Natural sources of CO2, such as volcanic eruptions and respiration by plants and animals, do contribute to the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. However, human emissions far outweigh these natural sources. It is estimated that human activities contribute to about 100 times more CO2 emissions than natural sources.

5. What are the potential consequences of continued CO2 emissions on our atmosphere?

If human CO2 emissions continue at current levels, it is predicted that the Earth's average temperature will continue to rise, leading to more frequent and severe natural disasters, sea level rise, and other detrimental effects on our environment. It is important for us to reduce our CO2 emissions to mitigate these potential consequences.

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