To limit global warming as much as possible, the international Paris Climate Agreement was established. From this agreement, the goal emerged to halve global emissions by 2030 and reduce them to zero by 2050. But what does CO₂ mean, how does it affect the climate, and why must we reduce our emissions?

In this article:

• Meaning of CO₂
• CO₂ is essential in nature
• Impact of CO₂ on the climate: the greenhouse effect
• The next step: achieving climate neutrality and becoming Paris Proof!

Meaning of CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide)

CO₂ stands for carbon dioxide, also known as carbonic acid gas. It is the chemical term for carbonic gas. This gas is produced, among other things, during the combustion of fossil fuels. The carbon in coal, natural gas, petroleum, or wood is converted into CO₂, where two oxygen atoms bond to a carbon atom. Once in the atmosphere, the molecule absorbs heat and contributes to the greenhouse effect.

CO₂ is essential in nature

CO₂ is also produced through natural processes such as wildfires and volcanic eruptions. Our bodies generate CO₂ as well when metabolizing food that contains carbon. Trees and plants absorb CO₂ from the air and convert it into carbon and oxygen.

CO₂ is, therefore, a necessary part of the ecosystem. However, the additional CO₂ emissions from burning fossil fuels disrupt the natural balance, as nature cannot absorb this excess output.

Biogenic CO₂ from Wood or Biofuels
The CO₂ released from burning biomass itself does not add extra emissions to the existing carbon cycle. It is part of the short-cycle (natural) loop. However, fossil CO₂ is emitted during biomass production. As a result, biomass indirectly has a negative impact on the climate.

Impact of CO₂ on the Climate: The Greenhouse Effect

DOver the past 150 years—since the Industrial Revolution—the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere has increased dramatically. CO₂ absorbs heat radiation and partially reflects it back to Earth. Thanks to this so-called greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, Earth remains habitable with a comfortable average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. However, excessive CO₂ in the atmosphere leads to an enhanced greenhouse effect, causing excessive global warming. This has severe consequences for the climate and all life on Earth.

Other Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) in CO₂ Equivalents

In addition to CO₂, other substances also contribute to the greenhouse effect when released into the atmosphere. Methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), solvents, and refrigerants also contribute to the insulating layer around the Earth. While CO₂ is the most prevalent, other greenhouse gases can have a (much) higher Global Warming Potential (GWP) because they retain more heat.

To summarize the effects of different greenhouse gases, we use CO₂ equivalents (CO₂‑e). The greenhouse effect of methane is 25 times stronger than that of CO₂; thus, 1 kilogram of methane equals 25 CO₂ equivalents. Often, when referring to “CO₂,” what is actually meant is “CO₂‑e“—meaning CO₂ equivalents (as is the case with the Envirometer).

The next step: achieving climate neutrality and becoming Paris Proof!

Greenhouse gases contribute to dangerous global warming. According to scientific research by the IPCC, even at 1.5 degrees of warming, irreversible consequences arise. To prevent worse outcomes, global emissions must be halved by 2030 and reduced to zero by 2050, as agreed upon in the international Paris Climate Agreement.

To demonstrate how your company contributes to this goal, you can create a footprint of the CO₂ (equivalents) resulting from your business activities. With the Envirometer, you can quickly calculate this footprint. Read more about what you need to create a CO₂ footprint or get started right away and order your Envirometer here.