Non-flammable, colourless and odourless acid gas (also carbon dioxide, CO2). Colloquially, carbon dioxide is often incorrectly referred to as carbonic acid. In solid form, it is used as dry ice (image left) as a coolant and inert gas. The gas is produced during all combustion processes and during the respiration of animal and human organisms. It also occurs in volcanic rocks and at great depths in the earth.
Although it only makes up a small proportion of 0.039% of the atmosphere, this tiny amount is essential for all life because it is required by plants during photosynthesis and oxygen is formed in the process. Since industrialisation, the proportion has risen by 44% in connection with climate change and the greenhouse effect. The proportion is greater in the northern hemisphere (due to more land mass). The resulting extreme weather conditions with heat waves also have a negative impact on viticulture (see under decarbonisation).
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Thomas Götz
Weinberater, Weinblogger und Journalist; Schwendi