Global Warming
A POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE CAUSE FOR
ATMOSPHERIC CARBON DIOXIDE INCREASE
Argus C. Zall
(Copyright 10/1/02; All Rights Reserved)
Abstract From available flux data (1,2), simple algebra, and the assumption that uptake by the environment increases with atmospheric concentration of CO2, it is deduced that the capacity of the biosphere to absorb CO2 has been substantially degraded relative to its emissions thereof since pre-industrial times. It is further concluded that the loss of ability of the global ecosystem to absorb its own natural emanations is a very large contributor to the increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations, with anthropogenic CO2 playing a secondary role. The principal cause of this degradation is suggested to be human perturbation of the oceanic ecosystem by overfishing and pollution.