11 - Concentration of CO2 (ppm)

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CO2 measurements have been taken since 1958 in Hawaii, on Big Island, on the flanks of the Mauna Loa volcano. They were initiated by Charles Keeling. In the blue scenario (2°C) they increase until 2040-2050, then they decrease because emissions will have been reduced so much that natural sinks no longer absorb them.

Earth from Space
The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere depends very much on the season, and it also increases noticeably throughout the year: more is present at the end of the year than at the beginning. The seasonal effect is mainly due to vegetation, but there is generally also a strong component from biomass burning and wildfires as well as fossil fuel use from human activities.
Credits :© ECMWF
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1
Cause

Carbon Sinks

Concentration of CO2 (ppm)

the card n11 represents the concentration in CO2, understood in the atmosphere (it's written behind the card).

1
Consequence

Concentration of CO2 (ppm)

You can recognize the molecules of the different GHGs on the card 13 : H2O (red and white), CO2 (grey and red), CH4 (grey and white), nitrious (blue and red).

1
Wrong cause

Concentration of CO2 (ppm)

Why not, but better link card 12 (Carbon sinks) to card 11. Card 12 is meant for that.

2
Wrong consequences

Carbon Sinks

Concentration of CO2 (ppm)

It can be argued that CO2 emissions take place before reaching carbon sinks. But the opposite link has our preference.

Concentration of CO2 (ppm)

Players often identify CO2 concentration as a cause for ocean acidification. But it is more logical to link back to carbon sinks.