Global Warming

Earth Absorbing 50 Percent of CO2 Emissions

The Earth appears to be increasing its ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the burning of fossil fuels even as the planet warms, according to a new study from scientists at Woods Hole Research Centre in Massachusetts.

Writing in the journal Biogeosciences, they say various aspects of the environment have increased their CO2 absorption in proportion to the increase in emissions.

“Without it, the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere would be twice what it is, and climate change would be much further along,” said study co-author Richard Houghton. “But, there is no guarantee that it will continue.”

He adds that the land and oceans have, for the last 55 years, been taking up about half of the carbon emitted.

The findings do nothing to counter the scientific consensus that drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions must occur in the near future to avoid the worst effects of global warming.