Rebuttal: CO2's Role in Climate Change Is Not Overstated

07 Oct 2025

Rebuttal: CO2's Role in Climate Change Is Not Overstated

By EVWorld.com Si Editorial Team

In a recent op-ed published by Weather-Fox.com titled “Have CO₂ Levels Been Demonized Without Proof?” , the author questions the scientific consensus around carbon dioxide’s role in climate change. The piece suggests that CO₂ may be unfairly vilified and implies that its warming effect lacks definitive proof. While such skepticism can spark valuable discussion, it's essential to ground our understanding in the wealth of peer-reviewed science that has accumulated over decades.

Carbon dioxide is not inherently harmful. It’s a natural component of Earth’s atmosphere and vital for plant life. But like many substances, its impact depends on concentration and context. Since the Industrial Revolution, atmospheric CO₂ levels have risen from about 280 parts per million to over 420 ppm. This increase aligns with a measurable rise in global temperatures—about 1.2°C over the past century. That’s not a coincidence. It’s physics.

CO₂ traps heat by absorbing infrared radiation emitted from Earth’s surface. This greenhouse effect was first demonstrated in the 1800s and has been confirmed through laboratory experiments, satellite data, and field measurements. Climate models that include human-generated CO₂ emissions closely match observed warming trends. Those that exclude it do not.

The Weather-Fox article points to historical climate fluctuations and natural CO₂ sources like volcanoes as evidence that current warming might be part of a natural cycle. It’s true that Earth’s climate has changed before, often due to shifts in solar radiation, ocean currents, or tectonic activity. But what makes today’s warming different is the speed and scale. Volcanic emissions, for example, account for roughly 65 to 319 million tons of CO₂ annually. Human activities—primarily burning fossil fuels—release over 36 billion tons each year. That’s more than 100 times the volcanic contribution.

The op-ed also suggests that CO₂ might be beneficial due to its role in plant growth. While elevated CO₂ can enhance photosynthesis under ideal conditions, excessive levels can reduce the nutritional quality of crops and exacerbate climate stressors like drought and heatwaves. Peer-reviewed studies show that these trade-offs are real and significant.

The scientific consensus is clear. A 2021 review published in Environmental Research Letters found that over 99% of climate scientists agree that human activities—especially CO₂ emissions—are the dominant cause of recent global warming. This isn’t political. It’s empirical.

CO₂ isn’t “demonized.” It’s understood. It’s a molecule with powerful warming potential when present in excess. And while it’s essential for life, its rapid accumulation in the atmosphere is disrupting climate systems in ways that are observable, measurable, and predictable.

For a community like EVWorld.com—where innovation, sustainability, and science intersect—it’s crucial to engage with these topics critically but responsibly. Electrification, renewable energy, and carbon reduction aren’t just trends. They’re responses to a challenge we understand better than ever.

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