Recently I asked the question, what is the optimum CO2 atmospheric ppm? As regular readers know, I have been very skeptical of the apocalyptic scenarios related to anthropogenic climate change. I decided to answer my own question and, in the process, I have revised my stance on this issue. I still believe that higher global temperatures are, on balance, better. They increase plant growth and increase the percentage of the land area that is comfortably habitable. However, in researching this question I found that while ppms over 600 are good for plants, they are not good for people. A recent study found that at concentrations over 1,000 ppm there are significant decreases in taking initiative and thinking strategically on cognitive performance measurements. So, I assert that 600 ppm is probably optimal and 1,000 ppm is to be avoided. We shouldnt over-react, classrooms routinely exceed 1,000 ppm, but a whole planet at that level is a very significant negative. Fortunately we will start seeing reductions in CO2 emissions globally (its already happened in the US) by 2030 and we should begin to see drops in atmospheric CO2 before 2050. Still, it is one of the most compelling arguments in favor of limiting CO2 emissions that I have found.
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 14:11:36 +0000
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