Question

The atmosphere's CO₂ content is rising. Which one of the following is a significant contributor to this increase? 1) refrigerant leakage 2) rice paddies 3) deforestation 4) aerosol spray cans

Answer 1

The significant contributor to the increase in the atmosphere's CO₂ content among the options provided is 3) deforestation.

The correct option is 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

Deforestation plays a crucial role in the rise of atmospheric CO₂ levels. Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, acting as a natural carbon sink. When forests are cleared for various purposes, such as agriculture or logging, this carbon absorption capacity is lost, and the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere. The process involves both the direct removal of trees and the disruption of the soil, which releases additional carbon. The impact of deforestation on atmospheric CO₂ levels is substantial and contributes significantly to global warming.

Moreover, the loss of forests not only releases stored carbon but also eliminates a vital mechanism for removing CO₂ from the air. The destruction of ecosystems disrupts the delicate balance of the carbon cycle, leading to an accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This, in turn, enhances the greenhouse effect, trapping more heat and contributing to climate change.

Efforts to mitigate the rise in CO₂ levels must prioritize addressing deforestation through sustainable land-use practices, reforestation initiatives, and conservation efforts to maintain the balance of the carbon cycle. The consequences of neglecting this issue extend beyond atmospheric composition, impacting biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the overall health of the planet.

The correct option is 3.

Answer 2

Deforestation is a significant contributor to the rise in atmospheric CO₂ content, as it removes trees that absorb CO₂ and releases stored carbon when trees are burned or decompose. Other major anthropogenic sources include the combustion of fossil fuels for electricity, transportation, and industrial activities. (option 3)

Step-by-step explanation:

The rise in the atmosphere's CO₂ content is a significant concern and various human activities contribute to this increase. Of the options provided, deforestation is a significant contributor to the rise in atmospheric CO₂ levels. Deforestation leads to the removal of trees that would otherwise absorb CO₂ for photosynthesis, resulting in higher concentrations of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

Additionally, when trees are burned or left to decompose after deforestation, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere as CO₂. Other major anthropogenic sources of CO₂ include electricity production from fossil fuels, transportation, industrial activities, and the burning of fossil fuels in general.

While refrigerant leakage releases synthetic fluorinated gases like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and aerosol spray cans previously contained chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which affected ozone rather than CO₂ levels directly, their impact on atmospheric CO₂ is less significant when compared to deforestation and fossil fuel combustion. Rice paddies are known sources of methane emissions, which is another potent greenhouse gas, but not as directly related to CO₂ levels.

Global warming and increased atmospheric CO₂ levels are closely related, with rising CO₂ concentrations being a primary driver of climate change. It is important to recognize and mitigate these emissions to address the ongoing climate crisis.

Hence, the answer is option 3