*carbon dioxide*, also known as *carbon dioxide (CO₂)*, is a chemical compound formed by one carbon atom (C) and two oxygen atoms (O). It is essential for life on Earth, but in excess contributes to environmental issues, such as *the greenhouse effect* and *climate change*.
### **Characteristics of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂):**
- **Chemical formula:** CO₂
- **Physical state:** Gaseous under normal environmental conditions (standard pressure and temperature).
- **Colorless and odorless:** It has no smell or color.
- **Non-flammable:** It does not burn, but can suffocate in high concentrations.
- **Soluble in water:** Forms carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) when dissolved.
### **Sources of CO₂:**
1. **Natural:**
- Respiration of living beings (animals, plants at night, microorganisms).
- Decomposition of organic matter.
- Volcanic eruptions.
- Oceans (release CO₂ naturally).
2. **Anthropogenic (human-caused):**
- Burning of fossil fuels (gasoline, diesel, coal).
- Deforestation (reduces the ability of plants to absorb CO₂).
- Industries and thermal power plants.
- Agriculture (livestock emits methane, which converts to CO₂).
### **Importance and Impacts:**
✅ **Photosynthesis:** Plants absorb CO₂ to produce oxygen.
✅ **Climate regulation:** Keeps the Earth warm (natural greenhouse effect).
❌ **Excess CO₂:**
- **Global warming** (intensification of the greenhouse effect).
- **Ocean acidification** (dissolved CO₂ forms carbonic acid).
- **Climate change** (droughts, hurricanes, melting glaciers).
**Reduction of CO₂:**
- Use of renewable energies (solar, wind).
- Reforestation and preservation of forests.
- Carbon capture technologies (CCS).
- Sustainable transportation (electric cars, bicycles).
CO₂ is essential for life, but its excess due to human activities is a major environmental challenge. Reducing emissions is crucial#CreadorPad $Jager
