Science Common Sense

91 - How does carbon dioxide affect our atmosphere?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) affects our atmosphere in several ways:

  1. Traps heat: CO2 traps the sun's heat, warming the Earth. This is called the greenhouse effect. It's like a big blanket that keeps the Earth warm.

  2. Changes the climate: Too much CO2 makes the Earth get even hotter. This can cause really big problems like super-strong hurricanes, droughts, and melting ice.

  3. Pollutes the air: High levels of CO2 can make it harder for plants and animals to breathe. It's also bad for people with breathing problems.

  4. Makes the ocean sick: When CO2 enters the ocean, it makes the water more acidic. This can be very bad for marine life, especially coral reefs and shellfish.

Reducing CO2 levels is important to keep our planet healthy and happy.

PrevHomeNext