Continued CO2 emissions will impair cognition (2020)
16 hours ago
- #cognitive health
- #CO2 emissions
- #climate change impact
- Continued CO2 emissions may directly harm human cognition by impairing decision-making and strategic thinking.
- Indoor CO2 levels could reach up to 1400 ppm by the end of the century, exceeding current outdoor levels and historical exposure.
- High CO2 in enclosed spaces reduces oxygen to the brain, leading to sleepiness, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
- Outdoor CO2 levels are predicted to rise to 930 ppm by 2100 in high-emission scenarios, with urban areas having higher concentrations.
- At 1400 ppm indoors, cognitive abilities may decrease by 25% for basic decision-making and 50% for complex strategic thinking.
- The cognitive impact is a direct effect of CO2 concentration, similar to ocean acidification, independent of climate warming.
- Mitigation strategies, such as reducing fossil fuel emissions via global agreements like the Paris Agreement, are essential to prevent harmful CO2 levels.
- Further interdisciplinary research is needed to fully understand and address the hidden impacts of climate change on cognition.