Can Carbon Dioxide Be A Good Thing?

[Moontanman]

Can Carbon Dioxide Be A Good Thing?

Physicist Explains Benefits Of Carbon Dioxide

 

 

 

 

 

June 1, 2007 — A physicist from Colorado State University and his colleagues from the North American Carbon Program (NACP) have discerned and confirmed the unforeseen advantages of rising carbon dioxide levels. Through the processes of photosynthesis and respiration, scientists have been able to elucidate why plants are growing more rapidly than they are dying. The NACP is employing methods, such as the use of cell phone and aircraft towers to monitor and retrieve carbon data for their continuing study.

 

 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2007/0603-can_carbon_dioxide_be_a_good_thing.htm

[JMJones0424]

I find simplistic examinations of the effects of increased carbon dioxide concentrations such as this article represents distressing. Carbon dioxide is one of many factors, notably including sunlight intensity and temperature, that dramatically effect the rate of photosynthesis and carbon fixation in plants.

 

Regardless of carbon dioxide levels, as temperature increases above optimal, C3 plants tend to fix oxygen instead of carbon dioxide during photosynthesis (photorespiration)

 

There are of course some plants (C4 and CAM) that can better regulate internal carbon dioxide levels to reduce photorespiration, but these plants make up a mere 10% of terrestrial plants. The conclusion that "more carbon dioxide is better for plants", in many situations, is patently false.

 

Or am I misinformed?