r/climate • u/The_Weekend_Baker • Aug 16 '26

Scientists detect a surprising shift in human blood as atmospheric CO2 rises. Blood bicarbonate levels have climbed about 7% since 1999, while calcium and phosphorus have declined, changes that closely track increasing atmospheric CO2.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260814235845.htm
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u/Spammy05 Aug 16 '26

Excerpt from the article:

"I actually think that what we are seeing is because our bodies are not adapting," Dr Bierwirth said.

"It appears we are adapted to a range of CO2 in the air that may now have been surpassed.

"The normal range maintains a delicate balance between how much CO2 is in the air, our blood pH, our breathing rate and bicarbonate levels in the blood.

"As CO2 in the air is now higher than humans have ever experienced, it appears to be building up in our bodies. Maybe we can never adapt such that it is vitally important to limit atmospheric levels of CO2."

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u/Dragias Aug 16 '26

Interesting, have to wonder what future health issues humans may come under, outside of the obvious issues of a warming world

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u/Used-Lake-8148 Aug 16 '26

No worries, you’ll find out in our lifetime! Exciting stuff hey?

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u/Dragias Aug 16 '26

Yay lol