Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Carbon dioxide, also known as carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide anhydride, with the molecular formula CO2, is a colourless, inert, non-toxic gas. It is made up of two oxygen atoms and one carbon atom. Living organisms convert oxygen into CO2 through respiration, while plants use CO2 for photosynthesis, converting it into organic carbon compounds (sugars, cellulose, etc.) and dioxygen, O2, commonly known as oxygen. Conversely, they release a small quantity of CO2 into the atmosphere during respiration and when they die. During the decomposition phase, soil micro-organisms break down plant organic matter and release some of the plant’s carbon into the atmosphere in the form of CO2. This greenhouse gas is the subject of alarmist climate information and predictions aimed at blaming it for global warming.

How can CO₂ be a threat to humans and the environment ?

As we know, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a gas naturally present in the atmosphere, but it is also produced by various human activities including (i) Combustion of fossil fuels (Burning coal, oil and natural gas to produce energy, heat buildings or power vehicles releases CO₂), (ii) Respiration (Living things, including humans, animals and plants, produce CO₂ when they breathe, (iii) Deforestation (When trees are felled or burnt, they release the CO₂ they have stored during their growth), (iv) Industrial Processes (Certain industries, such as cement production, the steel industry and oil refineries, release CO₂ in large quantities), (v) Agricultural activities (The decomposition of organic matter and the activities of certain crops can also produce CO₂).

Of the various sources of CO₂ production, the burning of fossil fuels is often considered the most harmful to the environment and humanity. So much so that over-reliance on fossil fuels is a major threat to the planet and to human health. That’s why it’s essential to promote renewable energy sources and reduce our carbon footprint, which is the measurement of the environmental impact of a person, product or activity on the climate, based on the total quantity of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted into the atmosphere. These gases mainly include carbon dioxide (CO₂), but also other gases such as methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O).

Is the CO₂ emitted by humans a threat to the environment?

However, it is important to note that human respiration is not a danger. In fact, the CO₂ produced by humans is minimal compared to the emissions generated by industrial activities, fossil fuel combustion and deforestation. CO₂ produced by the respiration of living things is part of the natural carbon cycle. Plants absorb this CO₂ for photosynthesis, a process by which they produce oxygen and carbohydrates.  This balanced exchange between human (and animal) respiration and plant photosynthesis is part of the Earth’s bio-geochemical cycles. In addition, the CO₂ produced by the respiration of living beings is part of the natural carbon cycle. Plants, for example, absorb this CO₂ for photosynthesis, as we know, creating a natural balance. So although human respiration produces CO₂, it is part of a natural recycling process and does not cause the same kind of negative environmental impact as industrial and fossil emissions.

So what is threatening the environment and human health?

What is upsetting this balance are excessive emissions of CO₂ from human activities, such as fossil fuels and the destruction of forests. These sources add a massive amount of CO₂ to the atmosphere, contributing significantly to climate change. This is why promoting (i) renewable energies : They are sustainable and increasingly economical, but their production can be intermittent and dependent on natural conditions) ; (ii) nuclear power (Low CO₂ emissions and stable production, but radioactive waste management challenges and high costs) is important. As such, nuclear power can play an important role in the transition to cleaner energy sources, complementing renewables such as wind (challenges of energy production variability, environmental impact, noise and visual nuisance, access to and integration into the electricity grid, high costs, etc.) and solar. It is essential to manage the risks of nuclear energy and continue to improve the technology to maximise the benefits while minimising the drawbacks (Radioactive waste management, Risk of accidents, High cost). So, each type of energy has its advantages and disadvantages, and a balanced combination of different sources could be the key to a sustainable energy transition.

Roselyne Kandel