Plants, trees, and soils naturally emit carbon dioxide (CO2) that enters the atmosphere. To form a benchmark level for this greenhouse gas, we can determine the amount of CO2 that would end up in the atmosphere if there were no human activity on the planet. Suppose naturally occurring CO2 emissions are 5 million tons per year, the social discount rate is 5%, and the stock dissipation rate is 2%. What is the eventual level of CO2 in the atmosphere if these natural emissions continue at this rate forever?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The eventual level of CO2 in the atmosphere can be calculated using the formula for the steady-state stock level: Emissions / Dissipation rate. Here, it is 5 million tons / 0.02 = 250 million tons.

Plants, Trees, and Soils Naturally Emit Carbon Dioxide (CO2) That