If you're referring to CO2 levels in terms of parts per million (ppm), current atmospheric CO2 levels are around 420 ppm, which is well above normal pre-industrial levels of approximately 280 ppm. However, CO2 levels have not been documented to exceed 15% concentration in the atmosphere, as that concentration would be lethal to most living organisms.
If we interpret "rising above 15" as in certain scenarios related to CO2 thresholds, possible consequences could include:
-
Climate Change Acceleration: Higher CO2 levels contribute to the greenhouse effect, leading to increased global temperatures, more extreme weather events, and changing climate patterns.
-
Ocean Acidification: Elevated CO2 levels lead to greater absorption of CO2 by oceans, resulting in ocean acidification. This can harm marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons, such as corals and certain shellfish.
Please clarify what you mean by "rising above 15" if this doesn't address your question!
1 answer