FLASH FLOODS

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Build up and its Consequences

Known as a greenhouse gas, Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is an important heat trapping gas. Human activities have raised atmospheric CO₂ by fifty percent (50%) due to the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the 18^th century and is now at one hundred fifty percent (150%) level. The widespread use of fossil fuels, like coal and oil for energy production led to a significant increase in its emissions into the atmosphere. Increased industrial production and transportation resulted in the deforestation of massive areas of forest further aggravating the issue. In 2023, the global average atmospheric carbon dioxide was 419.3 parts per million (ppm) setting a record high based on the annual report from NOAA’s Global Monitoring Lab. According to the Global Carbon Budget 2023, the annual emissions from burning fossil fuels increased every decade from 11 billion tons in 2023.