Vijay Jayaraj
How could carbon dioxide, described as a dangerous pollutant that threatens human existence, be considered even remotely beneficial? Sadly, people – children and adults alike – ask questions like this, and they are replaced by irrational fears without the established science that substantiates CO22 Becomes irreplaceable food for plants and is necessary for all life.
Some even recognize CO2 The belief that an increase in the concentration of this gas in the atmosphere could have catastrophic consequences lacks scientific basis and is detrimental to the fate of millions of people suffering from malnutrition.
Corn, like rice, wheat, and soybeans, is the basis of global food security and an important source of nutrition for humans and livestock. The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been increasing over the past few decades2 Significant increase in corn yields due to industrial emissions.
Between 1900 and 2024, U.S. national corn production increased from 28 bushels per acre (bu/A) to 183 bushels. During the same period, CO in the atmosphere2 Increased from 295 ppm to 419 ppm. Globally, corn production increased from a measly 29 bu/A in 1961 to 86 bu/A in 2021.
This phenomenon is not only a coincidence, but also an accident. It is deeply rooted in the physiological characteristics of corn as a C4 plant. C4 plants such as corn (named for the number of carbon atoms in their photosynthetic products) have unique biochemical pathways that make their photosynthesis particularly efficient at high concentrations of carbon dioxide2 and elevated temperatures. Such plants use a mechanism that concentrates carbon dioxide2 in specialized structures called bundle sheath cells.
High levels of carbon dioxide2 Water content also improves corn's water-use efficiency, which is particularly beneficial during periods of limited water supply or drought. This efficiency translates into higher growth rates and potentially higher yields. In fact, the researchers say, “at high CO2 concentrations, corn requires less water.”2 The future environment will be better than now.
Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide drives higher corn yields2 It has had a profound impact around the world, promoting agricultural prosperity, increasing agricultural income and strengthening food security in different regions. Countries with higher corn production, such as the United States, have increased export revenues, strengthening their national economies and their position in global markets.
However, the significant impact of rising carbon dioxide concentrations2 Not limited to C4 crops such as corn. C3 plants, such as wheat, rice, potatoes and soybeans, rely on an enzyme called rubisco to fix carbon. As CO increases, Rubisco's efficiency increases significantly2 concentration, because it reduces the tendency of enzymes to bind to oxygen—a process called photorespiration, which limits productivity.
As a result, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases2 This generally results in enhanced photosynthesis and biomass accumulation in C3 species, albeit to a lesser extent than in C4 plants. This is why rice and wheat yields can increase by 20-30% under increased carbon dioxide concentrations2 situation. We have already witnessed an increase in yields of most C3 food crops.
It's worth noting that greenhouse farming (farming inside translucent tents to retain the sun's warmth) typically uses carbon dioxide2 Concentrations are artificially increased to more than twice ambient levels to promote growth.
The relationship between rising CO concentrations in the atmosphere2 Crop yields are clearly positive. So ignore the fear-mongering media headlines about toxic human carbon dioxide2 emission. You, your families and the industries that support our society green the planet by emitting carbon dioxide every day, making food more plentiful and affordable for those fighting poverty and others.
This review was first published on california globe September 18, 2024.
Vijay Jayaraj is a research and scientific assistant CO2 AllianceArlington, VA. He holds a master's degree in environmental science from the University of East Anglia, UK, and a postgraduate degree in energy management from Robert Gordon University, UK
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