Fossil Fuel Combustion Is Driving Indoor CO2 Toward Levels Harmful to Human Cognition. (16th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Karnauskas, Kristopher B.; Miller, Shelly L.; Schapiro, Anna C.
• Is Part Of: GeoHealth. Volume 4:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-05-16
• Subjects: carbon dioxide -- human cognition -- climate impacts -- carbon emissions -- health -- climate change; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.98
• DOI: 10.1029/2019GH000237
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2471-1403

Abstract

Abstract: Human activities are elevating atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations to levels unprecedented in human history. The majority of anticipated impacts of anthropogenic CO2 emissions are mediated by climate warming. Recent experimental studies in the fields of indoor air quality and cognitive psychology and neuroscience, however, have revealed significant direct effects of indoor CO2 levels on cognitive function. Here, we shed light on this connection and estimate the impact of continued fossil fuel emissions on human cognition. We conclude that indoor CO2 levels may indeed reach levels harmful to cognition by the end of this century, and the best way to prevent this hidden consequence of climate change is to reduce fossil fuel emissions. Finally, we offer recommendations for a broad, interdisciplinary approach to improving such understanding and prediction. Key Points: Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations are reaching levels never experienced by Homo sapiens Recent experiments have linked high indoor carbon dioxide concentrations to reduced cognitive function Our models predict that future carbon emissions will increase indoor concentrations to levels harmful to human cognition