Final answer:
We must rid the body of carbon dioxide to prevent respiratory acidosis and maintain blood pH, crucial for enzyme function and nervous system health.
Step-by-step explanation:
We need to rid carbon dioxide from the body because it is a waste product of cellular respiration and can lead to harmful acidification of the blood if it accumulates. Carbon dioxide is a key player in the body’s acid-base balance, and its regulation is crucial for maintaining the stable pH required for the body's biological processes. A high level of carbon dioxide in the blood can lower the pH, causing respiratory acidosis, which can disrupt the functioning of enzymes and can be detrimental to the nervous system.
Additionally, carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change when present in excessive amounts in the atmosphere. The mechanism for removing carbon dioxide involves its transport via the blood to the lungs, where it is exchanged for oxygen and then exhaled. The human body and the planet’s climate both require tight regulation of carbon dioxide levels to remain healthy and stable.