Comprehensive Academic Background Overview of Increased Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Emissions since the Mid-20th Century

Professor:
Ulrike Plath

History of Environment and Environmental Humanities

Mohammad Amin Abbasi
Crossmedia student
Abstract: One of the key characteristics of the Great Acceleration is the exponential increase
in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions since the mid-20th century, which embodies humanity's
significant impact on the Earth's climate system. This thorough scholarly analysis explores
the long-term history, complex contributing factors, broad ramifications, and
mitigation/adaptation tactics related to the particular case of rising CO2 emissions. This paper
aims to provide a nuanced understanding of this important environmental issue by
highlighting the intricate interactions between it and ecological systems and socio-economic
dynamics through interdisciplinary research.

First of all, The rapid industrialization, urbanisation, and economic growth of humanity is
reflected in the rise in CO2 emissions since the mid-20th century, highlighting the profound
effects of human activity on the Earth's climate system. This essay provides a thorough
examination of the particular case of rising CO2 emissions, explaining its historical
development, underlying causes, and ripple effects. This overview attempts to inform
evidence-based responses to the global climate crisis by synthesising insights from a variety
of disciplines, including economics, environmental science, and policy studies.

Historical Context: Prior to the Industrial Revolution, atmospheric CO2 concentrations stayed
comparatively constant over millennia, averaging 280 parts per million (ppm) (Houghton et
al., 2001). However, a new era of anthropogenic CO2 emissions was brought about by the
widespread use of fossil fuels and the quick development of industrial activities in the 19th
and 20th centuries. An exponential growth phase in CO2 emissions began in the mid-20th
century, driven by post-war economic reconstruction, technological breakthroughs, and mass
consumerism (IPCC, 2014).

Motivating Elements: A number of interrelated driving factors have contributed to the

exponential rise in CO2 emissions since the mid-20th century:
Fossil Fuel Combustion: The main cause of anthropogenic CO2 emissions is the combustion
of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, for transportation, industrial processes, and
energy production (Le Quéré et al., 2018).
Energy demand skyrocketed during the post-World War II economic boom, leading to a
general reliance on carbon-intensive fossil fuels to meet rising consumption needs (Jackson et
al., 2019).

CO2 emissions have been made worse by the development of fossil fuel-based energy
infrastructure, especially in countries that are industrialising quickly (Davis et al., 2010).

Land Use Change: The growth of agriculture, logging, and urbanisation have all led to
deforestation and land-use conversion, which has greatly increased CO2 emissions
(Houghton, 2005).
Huge volumes of carbon that have been stored in the atmosphere are released when carbon-
rich ecosystems, like tropical rainforests and peatlands, are converted into agricultural land
and disturb the natural carbon cycle (DeFries et al., 2019).

Industrial Processes: CO2 is released as a byproduct of combustion and chemical reactions

during industrial operations such as the manufacture of steel, cement, and chemicals (Feng et
al., 2020).
Because limestone is calcined in kilns during the cement production process, a significant
portion of industrial CO2 emissions are attributable to this process (Gartner, 2004).

Effects and Consequences: The increase in CO2 emissions that has occurred since the middle
of the 20th century has significant and far-reaching effects on ecosystems, human societies,
and the climate system on Earth.
Global warming and climate change are caused by the powerful greenhouse gas CO2, which
traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere (IPCC, 2021).

A series of environmental effects, such as melting ice caps, increasing sea levels, changed
precipitation patterns, and an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather
events, have been brought about by rising temperatures (Diffenbaugh & Field, 2013).

According to Adger et al. (2007), climate change exacerbates pre-existing vulnerabilities,

affecting marginalised communities disproportionately and escalating socioeconomic
disparities.
Ocean Acidification: The world's oceans absorb a sizable portion of the CO2 released into the
atmosphere, which causes ocean acidification (Doney et al., 2009).

Seawater's pH is lowered by rising CO2 levels, endangering coral reefs, marine ecosystems,
and the biodiversity they sustain (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2007).

Ocean acidification endangers marine life, such as coral and shellfish, and has a domino
effect on coastal economies, fisheries, and global food security (Fabry et al., 2008).

Feedback Mechanisms: According to Ciais et al. (2013), the warming brought on by rising
CO2 emissions sets off feedback mechanisms that intensify climate change.
Global warming is further accelerated by the release of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas,
from thawing permafrost (Schuur et al., 2015).

A positive feedback loop is created when melting ice caps reduce albedo, which increases
warming by absorbing more solar radiation (Pithan & Mauritsen, 2014).
Strategies for Adaptation and Mitigation: The problem of rising CO2 emissions requires a
multimodal strategy that includes adaptation and mitigation measures.

Mitigation: According to Rogelj et al. (2018), mitigation measures concentrate on lowering

CO2 emissions through decarbonisation programmes, switching to renewable energy sources,
increasing energy efficiency, and putting in place carbon pricing mechanisms.

Reforestation, afforestation, and forest conservation are examples of sustainable land

management techniques that are essential for storing carbon and reducing emissions (Bastin
et al., 2019).
Adaptation: Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, improving agricultural practices, and
putting ecosystem-based adaptation measures into place are some of the strategies used to
increase resilience to the effects of climate change (IPCC, 2018).
Initiatives for community-based adaptation strengthen local adaptive capacity and provide
vulnerable populations with the tools they need to manage risks associated with climate
change (Tanner et al., 2015).

In conclusion, the exponential rise in CO2 emissions since the middle of the 20th century
highlights how drastically humans have altered the Earth's climate system and emphasises
how urgent it is to address the global climate crisis. Through an in-depth analysis of the
historical background, contributing variables, and extensive consequences linked to rising
CO2 emissions, this thorough review offers insightful information for well-informed
decision-making and evidence-based policy interventions. In order to ensure a sustainable
and just future for future generations, we must take proactive steps to reduce emissions, adapt
to the effects of climate change, and build resilience as we navigate the challenges of the
Anthropocene.

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