Explore the Climate Chemistry: CO₂ & Temperature
Change CO₂ levels and see the greenhouse effect warm the planet. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Climate Chemistry: CO₂ & Temperature with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Climate Chemistry: CO₂ & Temperature?
Change CO₂ levels and see the greenhouse effect warm the planet. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Understanding greenhouse gas chemistry is central to climate science and to energy and environmental policy.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Greenhouse gases absorb infrared heat that the Earth radiates.
More CO₂ traps more heat, raising the equilibrium temperature.
Without any greenhouse effect the Earth would average about −18 °C.
Compare pre-industrial and today.
Double the CO₂.
Watch the IR photons.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Real-World Chemistry learners
Students, teachers and citizens interested in environmental science, climate and water, who want to see the chemistry behind the headlines.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Climate Chemistry: CO₂ & Temperature on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Double the CO₂. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
How does CO₂ make the planet warmer?
CO₂ molecules absorb infrared radiation leaving Earth and re-emit it in all directions, some of it back downward, which warms the surface.
Is the greenhouse effect bad?
No, it is natural and keeps Earth habitable. The concern is extra greenhouse gases from human activity strengthening it.
Is methane worse than CO₂?
Per molecule, methane traps much more heat than CO₂, but there is far less of it in the atmosphere and it breaks down in roughly a decade, whereas CO₂ persists for centuries. Both matter for different reasons.
Why do small feedback loops matter so much?
A little warming can melt ice (so the surface reflects less sunlight) and let the air hold more water vapour, itself a greenhouse gas. Both effects add extra warming on top of the original cause, amplifying it.
Is the Climate Chemistry: CO₂ & Temperature free to use?
Yes. The Climate Chemistry: CO₂ & Temperature is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Real-World Chemistry group of AZRS simulations.
More free tools
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Try the Climate Chemistry: CO₂ & Temperature now
Change CO₂ levels and see the greenhouse effect warm the planet. Free to use.
Try it free