Why isn’t increased CO2-levels positive for nature?

Question

The levels of CO2 in the atmosphere is increasing and have done so for many years. Shouldn’t this have a positive impact on plants etc.?

Maybe not nature including humans, but plants should thrive, right?

In: 2

Answer 1

Ecosystems are very complex, so it’s very difficult to predict the effect a change will have. The research that’s been done on this topic tells us that yes, higher levels of CO2 increase plant efficiency and water retention, but there are many other factors to take into account. For example, warming temperatures mean drier conditions, more forest fires. Another example: higher temperatures can effect the timing of pollinators like bees, increase disease, and reduce their habitat by killing them outright.

Here’s a good [summary](https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2022/01/27/how-climate-change-will-affect-plants/) of the current understanding.