David Vance SubstackRead More
Contrary to popular belief, increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere bring significant benefits to our planet, especially plants. No amount of climate catastrophising by the UN and its emissaries changes that. We all understand that green plants rely on CO2 for photosynthesis, the process by which they convert sunlight, water, and CO2 into the carbohydrates that form the basis of life’s food chain. As a logical consequence, higher atmospheric CO2 concentrations help plants grow faster and stronger, ultimately supporting more robust ecosystems and agriculture. Which begs the question what’s the problem with this? Why the rush to dramatically cut CO2?
Since the pre-industrial era, atmospheric CO2 levels have risen about 30%, and scientists have observed a remarkable “greening” of the planet, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. The Sahara is a great example of this. Satellite images reveal that drylands are becoming increasingly vegetated due to elevated CO2, which makes plants more drought-resistant by improving their water use efficiency. This enables them to grow better with less water—a critical advantage as many regions face increasing water scarcity.
Agricultural practices already take advantage of CO2’s growth-enhancing properties. Greenhouse growers often supplement CO2 to boost crop yields by accelerating photosynthesis. In open environments, higher CO2 levels shorten crop growth cycles, allowing for more frequent harvests and ultimately greater food production. Increased CO2 also helps plants use nutrients more efficiently and may enhance resistance to some pests and diseases.
In fact, every living organism is built from carbon atoms originally fixed from atmospheric CO2, and increases in CO2 translate into more biomass production. This is vital for feeding the growing global population and maintaining ecosystems worldwide.
While concerns about climate change focus on CO2 as a greenhouse gas, it remains a critical resource for life on Earth. Simply aiming for less CO2 overlooks its indispensable role in sustaining plant growth, food security, and natural habitats. These are all great reasons why more CO2 could indeed benefit the planet and humanity. Just say NO to Ne Zero CO2!!
