[BillM]

The earth is what is referred to in science as a buffered system. If CO2 experiences a sudden rise in concentration it will cause an increase in the rate of reaction with other chemical processes which use it as a reactant. It will bind with organic materials to form plant and animal matter. It will bind with calcium, magnesium, and other metals to form carbonates (limestone, coral etc). The result is a return to the equilibrium level.

This buffered ecosystem is ABSENT on Mars and Venus so they are not analogous models. Why do you bring them up?

[geopyg]

I just read where Venus and earth have about the same amount of CO2 and I went HUH?? The next sentence said that something like 98% (or some huge amount) of Earth’s CO2 is locked up in limestone while all of Venus’ is in the atmosphere.

[ga medic]

I have no idea what you are trying to tell me, especially your CO2 binding with organic materials to create plant and animal matter. Plants and animals are created through reproduction, not chemical reactions with the atmosphere. (yes, prevalent CO2 creates the potential for greater reproduction, but there are a variety of other things needed for it to occur) I also don’t understand your point about equilibrium. Yes, the Earth has a variety of balancing mechanisms to maintain stability. However, equilibrium obviously hasn’t been reached, because CO2 levels in the atmosphere are building, and are up 30% in the last decade. please explain this further to me.