The small proportion of carbon dioxide in the air, which AfD MP Omid Najafi recently discussed in the Lower Saxony state parliament, may seem small, but its impact on the global climate is enormous. This article sheds light on why even Germany's supposedly small contribution to CO₂ emissions is of global importance.
Composition of the atmosphere and CO₂
The proportion of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is currently around 0.04 percent, which may seem insignificant at first glance. However, this gas is the main driver of climate change. Historically, the CO₂ content has risen continuously since industrialization from around 280 ppm to around 420 ppm. This increase has a significant impact on the global climate, as CO₂ contributes significantly to global warming.
The influence of humans on CO₂ levels
Although natural sources such as oceans and land produce significant amounts of carbon dioxide, these emissions are typically reabsorbed through natural processes. In contrast, CO₂ emissions caused by human activities represent an additional burden that is not fully offset. This leaves more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, contributing to warming.
Germany's share of global carbon dioxide emissions
Although only about one percent of the world's population lives in Germany, it contributes significantly to global carbon dioxide emissions. With a share of around 1.77 percent of global anthropogenic CO₂ emissions, which corresponds to around 637 million tonnes, Germany plays an important role in global climate policy.
Refuting common misconceptions
Contrary to the claim that Germany's influence on the climate is minimal, scientific findings prove the opposite. The cumulative effect of CO₂ emissions, including from Germany, contributes significantly to global warming. Human-caused climate change is scientifically proven and requires urgent action to reduce CO₂ emissions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Ask | Answer |
| Is the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere really significant? | Yes, although carbon dioxide makes up only a small part of the atmosphere, it has an enormous impact on the climate. |
| How much carbon dioxide does nature produce compared to human activities? | Natural sources produce large amounts of carbon dioxide, but this is usually reabsorbed through natural processes. Human emissions represent an additional burden that is not fully compensated. |
| Is Germany contributing significantly to global warming? | Yes, despite its relatively small share of the world's population, Germany has a disproportionate share of global CO₂ emissions. |
| Can individual countries like Germany influence climate change? | Yes, reducing emissions in individual countries can have a significant impact on global CO₂ levels and thus on climate change. |
| Is man-made climate change scientifically proven? | Yes, there is extensive scientific evidence confirming man-made climate change. |
Conclusion
The importance of carbon dioxide, even in small quantities, for the global climate should not be underestimated. The role of Germany and other countries in global climate policy is crucial to combating climate change. It is important that we all take responsibility at national and individual levels and take action to reduce our emissions.
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Source: dpa
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )