\begin{tabular}{l} Read This! \\ Carbon dioxide \( \left(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\right) \) is one of the so-called greenhouse gases. These gases hold heat energy in the \\ atmosphere, which raises the overall remperarure of the Farth. This helps maintain the Eartis biosph \\ but also has led to environmental concerns. The more CO , in the aemosphere, the higher the Earth's \\ average temperature will be. \\ \hline 20. What is another way in which human activity is increasing the amount of amospheric CO \\ what are potential global effects of these changes in \( \mathrm{CO}_{2} \) levels? \end{tabular}

To address the question regarding how human activity is increasing the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide (\( \mathrm{CO}_{2} \)) and the potential global effects of these changes, let's break it down step by step. ### 1. Human Activities Increasing Atmospheric \( \mathrm{CO}_{2} \) Human activities contribute to the increase in atmospheric \( \mathrm{CO}_{2} \) levels primarily through: - **Burning Fossil Fuels**: The combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy and transportation releases significant amounts of \( \mathrm{CO}_{2} \) into the atmosphere. - **Deforestation**: Trees absorb \( \mathrm{CO}_{2} \) during photosynthesis. When forests are cut down for agriculture, urban development, or logging, the carbon stored in trees is released back into the atmosphere. - **Industrial Processes**: Certain industrial activities, such as cement production, also emit \( \mathrm{CO}_{2} \) as a byproduct. - **Agriculture**: Agricultural practices, including the use of fertilizers and livestock production, can lead to increased \( \mathrm{CO}_{2} \) emissions. ### 2. Potential Global Effects of Increased \( \mathrm{CO}_{2} \) Levels The increase in atmospheric \( \mathrm{CO}_{2} \) levels can lead to several potential global effects: - **Global Warming**: Higher concentrations of \( \mathrm{CO}_{2} \) trap more heat in the atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as the greenhouse effect. - **Climate Change**: The rise in temperatures can result in altered weather patterns, including more extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and heavy rainfall. - **Ocean Acidification**: \( \mathrm{CO}_{2} \) is absorbed by oceans, leading to a decrease in pH levels, which can harm marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons. - **Melting Ice Caps and Rising Sea Levels**: Increased temperatures contribute to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, resulting in rising sea levels that can threaten coastal communities. - **Impact on Ecosystems**: Changes in temperature and weather patterns can disrupt ecosystems, leading to shifts in species distributions, loss of biodiversity, and challenges to food security. ### Conclusion In summary, human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial processes, and agriculture are significant contributors to the increase in atmospheric \( \mathrm{CO}_{2} \). The potential global effects of these changes include global warming, climate change, ocean acidification, rising sea levels, and impacts on ecosystems. Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts to reduce emissions and promote sustainable practices.