Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through a process known as photosynthesis. In this process, green plants utilize sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. The primary site for photosynthesis in plants is the chloroplast, which contains chlorophyll—the pigment responsible for capturing sunlight.
During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide through small openings in their leaves called stomata. Once inside, the CO2 combines with water absorbed by the roots and energy captured from sunlight to create glucose, a simple sugar that plants use as energy and building material. The oxygen generated as a byproduct is released back into the atmosphere, making this a crucial process for sustaining life on Earth.
This not only helps plants grow but also plays a vital role in regulating the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, contributing to the mitigation of climate change. Through photosynthesis, plants essentially act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and reducing its concentration in our atmosphere.