Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Dioxide or CO2 is a gas in the earth's atmosphere. It is made up of two atoms of oxygen (dioxide) and one atom of carbon.

CO2 is a Greenhouse gas, and therefore the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere will affect the global warming as part of the greenhouse effect.

Carbon Dioxide has increased in the atmosphere by about 35% since the start of the industrial revolution, which was late 18th century to early 19th century.

How is CO2 produced?

There are several ways in which CO2 can be released into the atmosphere.

• Burning fossil fuels - produce electricity to run industry and homes
• Cars - Exhaust fumes include carbon Dioxide
• Deforestation - when a tree dies it releases CO2. Information on the effects of deforestation.
• Volcano eruptions - Volcanoes erupt and release Carbon Dioxide.
• Animals

Do we have any uses for CO2

CO2 has many uses including:

• Fizzy drinks
• Fire extinguishers
• Dry cleaners
• Food and chemical industry

Can we reduce the amount of CO2?

We all produce CO2 in our everyday living; the amount we produce is measured as our carbon footprint. There are several ways in which we can reduce our carbon footprint, including:

• Reduce the amount of fuel used in cars by eco driving or even change your type of transport. There are various form of transport which you could use from public transport to electric car or an electric bike.
• Reduce energy wastage in the home, there are some simple home energy savings which you can make.
• Use renewable energy or green energy

You could also look into ways to offset your carbon.

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Global Warming
carbon footprint
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