Flower Power

Although increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will likely result in a worsening of the global greenhouse effect, these increases in CO sub(2) levels will probably result in increased plant growth. A doubling of CO sub(2) levels would allow plants to grow up to one-third larger than they do now. A number of benefits of increased concentrations of CO sub(2) are discussed, including greater resistance to environmental stresses, enhanced root:top ratios, and increased amounts of nutrients in the soil. Plants grown in high-CO sub( 2) environments also exhibit more effective photosynthesis.