Phytotrons, windows on the future

Like all the living organisms on the planet, plants are suffering the consequences of climate change. How are they likely to react to the new climate conditions over the coming décades? To find out, researchers from CIRAD are studying photosynthesis, notably thanks to two high-tech phytotrons. A quick look into the future.

Inequality in the face of CO2

For thousands of years, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere were relatively stable: they varied between 200 and 300 parts per million (ppm), and were not particularly influenced by human activity. However, things have changed since the Industrial Revolution: over the past century and a half, large-scale use of fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil has resulted in massive carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Atmospheric CO2 levels are currently growing exponentially; they now exceed 400 ppm, and show no sign of slowing down. Since CO2 is one of the main greenhouse gases, increased concentrations are exacerbating climate change. And its effects do not stop there…

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Published: 16/12/2016