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 level of pollution, which is the annual emissions divided by the difference between the social discount rate and the stock dissipation rate. Here, it is 5 million tons per year / (0.05 - 0.02) = 5 million / 0.03 = 166.67 million tons, which rounds or approximates to the option closest to it, 250 million tons.

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

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