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CO₂ is one of the [[greenhouse gas]]es.  Heat-trapping by CO₂ has been observed on [[Earth]] and [[Venus]].  The extent of its role in the current increase in average global temperatures is a topic of active political and scientific debate. Rising CO₂ levels in the atmosphere have been observed to promote acidification of the oceans, through CO₂ + H₂O => H2CO3  

CO₂ is one of the [[greenhouse gas]]es.  Heat-trapping by CO₂ has been observed on [[Earth]] and [[Venus]].  The extent of its role in the current increase in average global temperatures is a topic of active political and scientific debate. Rising CO₂ levels in the atmosphere have been observed to promote acidification of the oceans, through CO₂ + H₂O => H2CO3  

The [[Lewis structure]] indicates it has two double bonds:

The [[Lewis structure]] indicates it has two double bonds,

[[Image:CO2.gif]]

[[Environmentalist]]s predict catastrophic [[global warming]] scenarios at the hands of excessive CO₂ released by industrial and commercial activities. The theory arguing against the greenhouse effect is that, the planet naturally gives off carbon dioxide, from natural sources such as volcanoes, and thus, it is not so bad for the Earth.

The effects of an increased level of CO₂ is Increased [[plant]] growth, as CO₂(g) + 12H₂O(aq) + energy → C₆H₁₂O₆(aq)(A complex sugar) + 6O₂(gas) + 6H₂O(aq), as more products for photosynthesis. This supposedly has beneficial effects for humans, such as greater crop yields and alleviating the effects of a growing human population.

[[Environmentalist]]s predict doomsday [[global warming]] scenarios at the hands of carbon dioxide released by mankind. They attempt to classify carbon dioxide as 'a planetary problem' but a number a factors are in dispute. In addition, the planet naturally gives off carbon dioxide, like volcanoes, and it is not bad for the Earth. The claim that too much CO₂ is a problem can also be said of too little CO₂. Our planets coldest years have occurred when less CO₂ was present.

 

In fact, higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere would boost the growth of plants, as it is an essential fuel for [[photosynthesis]]. Increased [[plant]] growth would have many beneficial effects for humans, such as greater crop yields and alleviating the effects of a growing human population. As increased plant groth would also [[sequester]] more carbon in the bodies of the plants it would also have a limiting effect on any additional carbon released into the atmosphere, eventually achieving a new balance point, in spite of the predictions of doom from [[environmentalist]]s.

==See also==

==See also==