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Q&A December 2007

Q Are there any benefits of increased levels of CO2?
- Submitted by National Ocean Sciences Bowl team members, San Ysidro High School, San Ysidro, Calif.

A As we currently understand the effects of rising CO2 levels, the answer is probably "yes," but the negative effects of increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere overwhelm the benefits.

plantsPlants generally grow a bit faster with increased carbon dioxide. (Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)


Plants generally grow a little faster with increased carbon dioxide. Increased levels of the gas will also reduce drought stress in some plants since readily available CO2 makes it easier for plant tissue to retain water.

Also, if you like it warm at high latitudes, such as in northern Canada and Europe, there are regions that will be more habitable as the earth heats up, although it will still be dark all winter.

In addition, melting sea ice from warmer temperatures will soon open up the Northwest Passage, a sea route typically blocked by ice in the Arctic Ocean, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Soon vessels will be able to sail right through, making it attractive as a major shipping route.

revelleVessels such as Scripps Oceanography's R/V Roger Revelle could journey through the Northwest Passage if it opens up.

The answer to your question is a mixed bag, but the overall outlook is overwhelmingly negative. That's because the disruption of climate would be costly in many ways. Increased levels of carbon dioxide could disrupt the function of ecosystems and make the oceans more acidic.

— Ralph Keeling, geochemist, Geosciences Research Division

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Scripps Scientists take on questions from students curious about ocean and earth sciences


ralph keeling

"The negative effects of increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere overwhelm the benefits."
— Ralph Keeling