CTO & Software Engineer.
CTO & Software Engineer.

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John Tyndall was the first scientist to inform us that our Earth's atmosphere stores energy and radiates it to sustain life. In his experiment, which we have already discussed, he demonstrated that if you heat certain gases, they store energy. The most notable gas among these is carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a gas that traps heat. So, if a room contains carbon dioxide and is heated somehow, the room will start warming up rapidly.
Our planet is enveloped by an atmospheric layer containing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and ammonia. These gases store energy, trapping it in our atmosphere. If the concentrations of these gases increase, our world will gradually warm up. Historically, these gases existed in minimal amounts around our planet. However, with the advent of humans, we began producing carbon dioxide and methane. Without humans, the energy from the sun would mostly be reflected back into space.
We often discuss infrared radiation. Because our Earth now has gases that absorb infrared radiation, all incoming energy from the sun is also absorbed by the Earth. When it reflects, it gets trapped in our atmosphere, preventing it from reaching space. As a result, our atmosphere is gradually warming up.
Let me also tell you that if we compare the concentration of carbon dioxide, in 1750, there were only 300 parts per million (ppm). Today, carbon dioxide levels have exceeded 422 ppm. You can see how rapidly it has increased since 1750. And it's not just carbon dioxide; methane levels are also rising. However, according to the 2023 Greenhouse Index published by NASA, which you can still find on their website, the major greenhouse gas in our atmosphere is carbon dioxide. This gas is warming our planet's temperatures, followed by methane, nitrous oxide, and other greenhouse gases, including CFCs. These gases are causing gradual warming and changing climates.
What happened after 1750 that caused a rapid increase in these gases in our atmosphere? Historically, we find that the Industrial Revolution began around 1760. From then on, humans started burning coal, gas, and oil on a large scale to obtain energy. Burning these fuels releases carbon dioxide rapidly into the atmosphere.
If we examine the history of the Earth, we find research indicating there are approximately 8.7 million species on our planet. If we consider the carbon content in these species, the carbon in coal, gas, or oil we burn originates from the decomposition of plants and animals. There are 8.7 million species on Earth, and the carbon content in animals is about 2.58 megatons. The total carbon content on Earth is approximately 545 gigatons. This includes 2.58 gigatons in animals, 12 gigatons in fungi, 70 gigatons in bacteria, and 450 gigatons in plants.
When plants die and decompose, they produce carbon. So, carbon isn't only produced from animals and living things, but also from plants. When this carbon is released from our industries into the atmosphere, it reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide (CO2), which starts storing energy.
Now, let's talk about how much carbon dioxide is present in our atmosphere. I'll take you to an observatory in Hawaii, where we have conducted experiments to measure atmospheric carbon dioxide and other gases accurately. Here, you can see various sensors and telescopes collecting gases for analysis. Computers process this data to visualize it.
In 1950, David Keeling was the first scientist to measure deep atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Initially, he aimed to determine how much was present and how it varied. He created a comprehensive system with sensors and instruments to collect and analyze carbon dioxide and other gases.
When he began, the readings were satisfactory, matching his expectations. However, after some time, a generator failure caused the system to shut down. After restoring power, the readings initially dropped but then started rising again. Keeling realized that this pattern was cyclical.
Our current graph of carbon dioxide represents our seasonal changes. When plants have more leaves, they absorb more carbon dioxide and produce more oxygen, decreasing atmospheric CO2 levels. Conversely, in autumn, when leaves fall, plants require less carbon dioxide, increasing atmospheric CO2 levels. Thus, carbon dioxide concentration varies cyclically, with plants playing a significant role.
To reduce carbon dioxide, we need to plant more trees. This can help lower carbon dioxide levels.
John Tyndall was the first scientist to inform us that our Earth's atmosphere stores energy and radiates it to sustain life. In his experiment, which we have already discussed, he demonstrated that if you heat certain gases, they store energy. The most notable gas among these is carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a gas that traps heat. So, if a room contains carbon dioxide and is heated somehow, the room will start warming up rapidly.
Our planet is enveloped by an atmospheric layer containing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and ammonia. These gases store energy, trapping it in our atmosphere. If the concentrations of these gases increase, our world will gradually warm up. Historically, these gases existed in minimal amounts around our planet. However, with the advent of humans, we began producing carbon dioxide and methane. Without humans, the energy from the sun would mostly be reflected back into space.
We often discuss infrared radiation. Because our Earth now has gases that absorb infrared radiation, all incoming energy from the sun is also absorbed by the Earth. When it reflects, it gets trapped in our atmosphere, preventing it from reaching space. As a result, our atmosphere is gradually warming up.
Let me also tell you that if we compare the concentration of carbon dioxide, in 1750, there were only 300 parts per million (ppm). Today, carbon dioxide levels have exceeded 422 ppm. You can see how rapidly it has increased since 1750. And it's not just carbon dioxide; methane levels are also rising. However, according to the 2023 Greenhouse Index published by NASA, which you can still find on their website, the major greenhouse gas in our atmosphere is carbon dioxide. This gas is warming our planet's temperatures, followed by methane, nitrous oxide, and other greenhouse gases, including CFCs. These gases are causing gradual warming and changing climates.
What happened after 1750 that caused a rapid increase in these gases in our atmosphere? Historically, we find that the Industrial Revolution began around 1760. From then on, humans started burning coal, gas, and oil on a large scale to obtain energy. Burning these fuels releases carbon dioxide rapidly into the atmosphere.
If we examine the history of the Earth, we find research indicating there are approximately 8.7 million species on our planet. If we consider the carbon content in these species, the carbon in coal, gas, or oil we burn originates from the decomposition of plants and animals. There are 8.7 million species on Earth, and the carbon content in animals is about 2.58 megatons. The total carbon content on Earth is approximately 545 gigatons. This includes 2.58 gigatons in animals, 12 gigatons in fungi, 70 gigatons in bacteria, and 450 gigatons in plants.
When plants die and decompose, they produce carbon. So, carbon isn't only produced from animals and living things, but also from plants. When this carbon is released from our industries into the atmosphere, it reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide (CO2), which starts storing energy.
Now, let's talk about how much carbon dioxide is present in our atmosphere. I'll take you to an observatory in Hawaii, where we have conducted experiments to measure atmospheric carbon dioxide and other gases accurately. Here, you can see various sensors and telescopes collecting gases for analysis. Computers process this data to visualize it.
In 1950, David Keeling was the first scientist to measure deep atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Initially, he aimed to determine how much was present and how it varied. He created a comprehensive system with sensors and instruments to collect and analyze carbon dioxide and other gases.
When he began, the readings were satisfactory, matching his expectations. However, after some time, a generator failure caused the system to shut down. After restoring power, the readings initially dropped but then started rising again. Keeling realized that this pattern was cyclical.
Our current graph of carbon dioxide represents our seasonal changes. When plants have more leaves, they absorb more carbon dioxide and produce more oxygen, decreasing atmospheric CO2 levels. Conversely, in autumn, when leaves fall, plants require less carbon dioxide, increasing atmospheric CO2 levels. Thus, carbon dioxide concentration varies cyclically, with plants playing a significant role.
To reduce carbon dioxide, we need to plant more trees. This can help lower carbon dioxide levels.
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