Monday, December 20, 2004

Atmospheric CO2

This is what all the fuss is about.

Measurements of atmospheric CO2

The facts are:
  • The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has risen steadily since the Industrial Revolution at a rate related to the burning of fossil fuels.
  • Carbon dioxide is a 'greenhouse gas' that has an influence on the Earth's heat balance. All other things being equal, the higher its concentration becomes, the higher will be the Earth's temperature.

The big debate is about whether this simple relationship holds or is counter-balanced by other factors influencing the heat balance. And, if it does hold, what will be the impact of future CO2 emissions on global climate?