Although they are far from understanding all the ramifications, this fact intrigues and excites scientists. And well it should. These are some of the questions scientists are looking into as possible benefits from the certainty of increasing CO 2 levels around the world. Dr. Bert G. Drake and his colleagues at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center on the Rhode River in Maryland, are at the forefront of work aiming to determine the effects of rising CO 2 levels on plants. The supply is limited and must be cycled between the oceans, the atmosphere and the terrestrial carbon pools in soil and living plants.
Carbon is a primary element of life.
In the photosynthetic process plants convert solar energy and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into food through the formation of carbohydrates, protein, amino acids, and fats. Most plants respond to higher CO 2 levels by producing more fruit, seeds, stems, leaves, roots, trunks, etc. Add to that an increase in temperature, and plants take in even more CO 2 and grow even better. Those in warmer climates, such as tropical forests, could benefit most. Much is not yet known.