Please note that the absorption of current atmospheric carbon dioxide is only one part of a complex solution to global climate change. As responsible human beings we must ALL look at making lifestyle changes that will in turn reduce our personal carbon footprint (our individual carbon dioxide emissions).
As the world population increases, forecast to be around 9 billion in 2050, the demands on limited world resources will go up, leading to further energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, as well as drain many other vital non renewable resources, critically water.
It is therefore OUR responsibility to act NOW and make as many environmentally beneficial changes to our lives as we possibly can.
Here are just a few suggestions, most of which will also save you money:
Alternative energies - look to see what alternative energy sources are being made available in your area, and switch to energy providers using or investing in them.
Public transport or car share - it's less convenient, but very effective for reducing your personal CO2 emissions.
Improve your car's performance with engine tuning and correct tyre pressures.
Buy a hybrid car - with increased fuel economy you will save money and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Recycling - bottles, plastic, paper, household items - many household items can be recycled, and your local council should have a recycling system in place, if not, tell them you want one.
Flying - we all want a holiday, it is our key reward for working, but as a principal contributor to global warming, a holiday at home would be far less polluting.
Composting- compost your organic waste which can be used to fertilize the garden instead of chemicals, and reduce the impact on local landfill waste sites.
Minimizing waste - buy things that don't come in packaging, e.g. from the market instead of the supermarket. Take your back pack or reusable shopping bags to carry shopping home.
Buy local - try to avoid buying imported produce, thus helping local industry, reducing international transportation costs and getting food fresher; an altogether healthier way to eat.
Walk or bike, rather than drive whenever possible. It'll save you money, keep you fitter, and help the atmosphere.
Turn all your appliances off at night and do not leave them on stand-by which could account for up to 20% of your home electricity bill; it'll save you money and the environment.
When your current light bulbs blow, change them to energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs, which will save you money.
When electrical appliances need replacing, buy energy efficient models.
Turn your heating down a degree, and wear more clothing; turn your air conditioning down a bit, better still off, and where less clothing!
Insulate your loft, double glaze your windows and use draft excluders on the doors to reduce your heating bill.
Water usage - consumption should be minimized, it is a finite resource. Don't let the tap run unnecessarily, take shorter showers, and ask for a meter to be installed.
A lot of these things bring inconvenience into our lives, but rest assured global warming will bring us more.