Volcanoes are known for their ability to spew out ash, lava, and gases during eruptions. Among these gases is carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. However, the amount of carbon dioxide released by volcanoes is relatively small compared to human activities such as burning fossil fuels.
Volcanic CO2 Emissions
While volcanoes do release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, their emissions are a small fraction of what humans produce. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), volcanoes emit about 0.26 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. In contrast, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, release over 35 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Impact on Global Warming
Although volcanoes do contribute to global warming, their impact is minimal compared to human activities. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that human activities are responsible for about 60% of the increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution. Volcanic eruptions, on the other hand, contribute only a small fraction to the overall carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while volcanoes do release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, their emissions are relatively small compared to human activities. While volcanic eruptions can temporarily affect the climate, their impact on global warming is minimal in the long run. It is important for humans to reduce their carbon footprint and take steps to mitigate the effects of climate change caused by human activities.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.