Ugo Bardi Biochemical Effects of CO2

Description: Nowadays, the increase of CO2 in the air is mainly discussed in relation to radiative forcing & the consequent global warming. However, CO2 is a chemically active molecule that plays a vital role in Earth’s ecosphere. It affects the acidity of seawater & has multiple effects on marine organisms. It is also a fundamental component in photosynthesis & respiration. There is evidence that higher CO2 concentrations can make photosynthesis faster in some plants, but also negatively affect respiration in aerobic lifeforms. The effects of this chemical & biochemical perturbation on the biosphere & human health may be more important than generally understood. These considerations stress the importance of rapidly reducing CO2 emissions &, whenever possible, removing the excess from the atmosphere. They also show that geoengineering techniques based on Solar Radiation Management (SRM) alone cannot be sufficient to contrast the disruption caused by human CO2 emissions.  

Biography: Dr. Ugo Bardi is a polymath who has interests that go from ancient history to the future of humankind. After a career as a lecturer in the School of Chemical Sciences at the University of Florence, he is now active as a member of the Club of Rome and the World Academy of Arts and Sciences (WAAS). He is the author of several nonfiction & fiction books that deal with the future and what it has in store for humankind. The most recent one in English is "Extermination"(the title being self-explanatory).