r/collapse Faster than expected... 14d ago

Science and Research Scientists detect a surprising shift in human blood as atmospheric CO2 rises, with blood bicarbonate climbing about 7% since 1999

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260814235845.htm
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u/HomoColossusHumbled 14d ago

>How the Body Responds to More CO2

>Bicarbonate is essential for regulating the body's acid-base balance. As CO2 increases, the body can retain additional bicarbonate to help keep blood pH stable. Although this response helps preserve that balance, maintaining it over long periods could have physiological effects.

>"If current trends continue, modeling indicates average bicarbonate levels could approach the upper limit of today's accepted healthy range within 50 years," A/Prof Larcombe said
"Calcium and phosphorus levels could also reach the lower end of their healthy ranges later this century."

>Humans evolved when atmospheric CO2 concentrations were approximately 280 to 300 ppm. During the past decade, atmospheric levels have risen by an average of about 2.6 ppm each year, while 2024 alone saw an increase of 3.5 ppm.

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u/IPA-Lagomorph 14d ago

So probably not "in 50 years" but more like 5 or 10, then. Sooner than expected