Question

Why are carbon dioxide concentrations expected to increase?
a.
Carbon dioxide concentrations are expected to increase, because fossil fuel burning is expected to increase.
b.
Carbon dioxide concentrations are expected to increase, because of an increase in agriculture.
c.
Carbon dioxide concentrations are expected to increase, because more land will have to be cleared for increasing populations and agricultural use.
d.
All of the above

Answer 1

d. All of the above.

- (a) Burning fossil fuels directly emits large amounts of CO2 and is expected to rise with energy use and development.
- (b) Expanding agriculture increases CO2 emissions indirectly (fuel and fertilizer production/use, soil carbon loss) and adds other greenhouse gases.
- (c) Clearing land (deforestation) releases stored carbon and reduces carbon sinks, raising atmospheric CO2.