Carbon dioxide CO2 is a significant contributor to the greenhouse effect and global warming. The greenhouse effect is a natural process that occurs when certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases, trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space. This trapped heat warms the Earth's surface, making it habitable for life.CO2 is one of the primary greenhouse gases, along with methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor. It is released into the atmosphere through various natural processes, such as respiration, volcanic eruptions, and the decay of organic matter. However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, have significantly increased the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has a direct impact on the planet's climate. As CO2 levels rise, more heat is trapped, leading to an increase in global temperatures. This warming effect has been linked to a wide range of climate-related issues, including more frequent and severe heatwaves, melting polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and changes in precipitation patterns, which can lead to droughts, floods, and more intense storms.To put things into perspective, before the Industrial Revolution, the atmospheric CO2 concentration was around 280 parts per million ppm . As of 2021, it has risen to over 410 ppm, which is the highest level in at least 800,000 years. This increase in CO2 concentration is the primary driver of the observed global warming trend over the past century.In conclusion, carbon dioxide plays a significant role in the greenhouse effect and global warming. The increasing concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, primarily due to human activities, is causing the Earth's climate to change, leading to various environmental and societal challenges. Reducing CO2 emissions and finding ways to remove it from the atmosphere are crucial steps in mitigating the impacts of climate change.