Question

analyze the potential consequences of a significant increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. which of the following is a likely effect? a. enhanced growth of forests due to more available carbon b. decreased frequency of extreme weather events c. acidification of oceans leading to harm to marine life d. decreased global temperatures due to increased cloud cover

Explanation:

• Option A: While carbon dioxide is a reactant in photosynthesis, a significant increase in CO₂ levels has many negative impacts beyond just forest growth. Also, other factors like temperature changes (due to CO₂'s role as a greenhouse gas) can stress forests.
• Option B: Increased CO₂ levels are associated with more extreme weather events (e.g., more intense heatwaves, heavier rainfall in some areas, more severe droughts in others) due to climate change caused by the greenhouse effect of CO₂.
• Option C: When CO₂ dissolves in water (ocean water), it forms carbonic acid ($\ce{CO2 + H2O

ightleftharpoons H2CO3}$). The dissociation of carbonic acid ($\ce{H2CO3
ightleftharpoons H^{+}+HCO3^{-}}$) increases the hydrogen - ion concentration in the ocean, leading to ocean acidification. This harms marine life, especially organisms with calcium - carbonate shells (like corals, some plankton) as the acid can dissolve their shells.

• Option D: CO₂ is a greenhouse gas. It traps heat in the atmosphere. An increase in CO₂ levels leads to increased global temperatures, not decreased, because it enhances the greenhouse effect.

Answer:

C. Acidification of oceans leading to harm to marine life