Research Design Connection: Consequences of Carbon Dioxide Levels

by Sally Augustin, Ph.D. | August 17th, 2020

Researchers continue to investigate the effects of carbon dioxide levels on human thinking and behavior. Karnauskas, Miller and Schapiro have determined that “As the 21st century progresses, rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations will cause urban and indoor levels of the gas to increase, and that may significantly reduce our basic decision-making ability and complex strategic thinking…By the end of the century, people could be exposed to indoor CO2 levels up to 1400 parts per million – more than three times today’s outdoor levels and well beyond what humans have ever experienced…Put simply, when we breathe air with high CO2 levels, the CO2 levels in our blood rise, reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches our brains. Studies show that this can increase sleepiness and anxiety, and impair cognitive function…at 1400 ppm, CO2 concentrations may cut our basic decision-making ability by 25%, and complex strategic thinking by around 50%.” This study is published in GeoHealth. “Continued …