Imagine waking up one morning and finding that the air you breathe has changed, and the oxygen level in the atmosphere has suddenly increased. You may not notice it at first, but there is an unusual energy in your body. Your lungs are breathing more oxygen and your cells are working much faster than before. So what kind of effects can this have in the long term? We asked artificial intelligence…
What would happen if the oxygen level was 25%?
Let’s assume that the oxygen level in the Earth’s atmosphere increases to 25%. Although it may seem like a relatively small increase compared to today’s 21%, even this situation can cause serious changes. This increase initially has a revitalizing effect on vegetation, microorganisms, and other oxygen-breathing organisms. Respiration becomes more efficient, especially near sea level. Aerobic organisms such as humans can more easily produce energy in a higher oxygen environment because more oxygen allows cells to work more effectively. This leads to a more durable physical structure and a slight increase in energy.
However, 25% oxygen also has some immediately noticeable side effects in the natural world. High oxygen increases the rate of plant growth because there is more oxygen available for photosynthesis. Forests, meadows and other green areas grow faster, which makes the natural environment greener and denser. However, this also brings some problems in terms of maintaining a balanced biosphere. As plants grow faster, more COâ‚‚ is consumed, which causes small but significant changes in climate balances.
On the other hand, high oxygen levels also increase the risk of fire in the atmosphere. Today, even with 21% oxygen, some forest fires cannot be controlled. In an atmosphere of 25%, fires spread much more quickly, which can cause uncontrolled forest fires to increase rapidly, especially in arid climates. More frequent fires increase carbon emissions, which paradoxically can lead to increased carbon levels. Ironically, increased oxygen levels can lead to a decrease in vegetation in some ecosystems.
High oxygen also accelerates the rusting process on metal surfaces. Oxidation of metals occurs much faster and rusting becomes apparent in a short time. Technological devices, infrastructures and buildings require more frequent maintenance. For example, structures based on iron and steel, such as cars and buildings, react more quickly with oxygen and begin to rot. In short, an oxygen level of 25% creates small changes in nature, while attracting attention with its effects that accelerate fire danger and metal oxidation.
A moderately positive effect can be observed on human health. Increased oxygen increases performance in athletes and provides higher endurance in athletic activities. However, some health experts also state that such high oxygen levels can be detrimental to brain health. Because excessive oxygen can cause brain cells to experience oxidative stress and accelerate aging. However, 25% oxygen levels do not cause a major shock to human biology.
So, what would happen if the oxygen level was 30%?
Let’s imagine waking up to a morning when the atmosphere contains 30% oxygen. In this case, the effects on both nature and technology become much more apparent. First of all, 30% oxygen greatly accelerates the metabolic processes of plants and animals. Plants with a higher photosynthesis rate grow rapidly, which is a development that can disrupt the balance in ecosystems. Although the earth now looks greener, some species become more competitive in terms of biodiversity, which can lead to conflicts between species.
An increase in the oxygen rate to 30% brings the risk of fire to an extremely critical level. The oxygen in the atmosphere allows fires to spread rapidly. Even small sparks can trigger large fires. Forest fires are frequently seen, especially in the Mediterranean and tropical regions, which negatively affects air quality and causes great damage to ecosystems. Fire threats, which have become a part of daily life for people, can become widespread even in large cities.
This increase requires a different adaptation process for human physiology. High oxygen levels increase the oxygen saturation in the blood cells, which gives a feeling of energy in the short term, but can cause oxygen toxicity in the long term. People, especially athletes, start to tire more quickly and become exhausted more quickly. Bodies that are not used to an abundance of oxygen may have difficulty processing this excess, which leads to symptoms such as dizziness and shortness of breath.
High oxygen also causes changes in microorganisms. Bacteria and microbes can multiply more quickly, which increases the risk of infection. Although viruses are not affected by the abundance of oxygen, bacterial infections may increase. In terms of health, this new environment puts an additional burden on the immune system.
In this scenario, the excess oxygen in the chemical structure of the atmosphere also brings many problems in terms of technology and infrastructure. The rate of rusting increases tremendously. The oxidation process of iron, steel and other metals causes serious difficulties in people’s daily lives. In this case, many industries such as construction materials and the automotive sector are significantly affected.
Let’s push the limits a little more. The oxygen level has increased to 35%.
In a world where the oxygen level has risen to 35%, living conditions change dramatically. First of all, such high oxygen makes it very dangerous to be around flammable materials. Fires become almost unstoppable, because the abundance of oxygen constantly feeds the fire. In addition to forest fires, urban structure fires also become uncontrollable. Fire safety measures are not sufficient in this environment. Even modern fire extinguishing equipment is inadequate.
In plants, the growth rate reaches record levels. The excess of oxygen accelerates the growth of plant cells. Some plant species can reach gigantic sizes. However, this rapid growth causes rapid depletion of the soil. Some species competing with other plants in the growth race can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.
In terms of human physiology, 35% oxygen causes an excessive load, especially on the lungs and nervous system. Body tissues become saturated with oxygen, and this increases the risk of oxidative stress. It becomes difficult for people to live healthily for long periods in this atmosphere, because the constant excess of oxygen damages the cells and accelerates the aging process. It is possible that the risk of cancer will increase.
Technological devices and metallic structures deteriorate rapidly in this atmosphere. Rust and corrosion accelerate, leading to the collapse of infrastructure. Electronic devices begin to deteriorate due to excess oxygen. In addition, high oxygen makes energy sources more flammable, which leads to an increase in accidents.
The final stage. What would happen if the oxygen level doubled to 40% compared to today?
If the oxygen level in the atmosphere increases to 40%, our world will become a more alien and dangerous place than ever before. This level of oxygen abundance requires a reconsideration of all living things that breathe oxygen, ecosystems and technological structures. This dramatic increase leads to rapid and sometimes devastating results in both biological and chemical processes.
First of all, the probability of combustion in an atmosphere with 40% oxygen is so high that even a spark or a slight heat can trigger large fires. Therefore, almost all flammable materials are directly at risk. The risk of fire becomes a serious problem, especially in forested areas or arid regions. These fires will disrupt the balance of nature, turn large areas into ash and not even allow the vegetation to regenerate. Urban fires, like forest fires, have an extraordinary potential to spread; almost all living spaces must be rebuilt with fire-resistant materials.
40% oxygen almost doubles the growth rate of plants. Trees and shrubs grow rapidly, causing forests and vegetation to become increasingly dense and dominant. However, this intensive growth rapidly depletes soil resources. Effects such as soil erosion, rapid depletion of minerals and disruption of environmental balances occur.
The effects on human physiology become even more complex. In an environment where the oxygen level is so high, cells are virtually saturated with oxygen, and this leads to an extraordinary increase in oxidative stress. High oxygen levels cause rapid damage to the cells in our body. This accelerates the aging process. At the same time, high oxygen pressure on cells can lead to potential damage to the nervous system and especially the brain. Neurological disorders, signs of premature aging and even diseases related to oxidative stress such as cancer become much more common. Although the human body can adapt to this environment, it can be predicted that the immune system and general health will be seriously challenged during this adaptation process.
Apart from biological systems, 40% oxygen also questions the durability of technological infrastructure. Iron, steel and other metals rust rapidly and most structural materials deteriorate rapidly due to corrosion. Buildings, bridges and infrastructures in cities wear out in a short time. Even some electronic devices are affected by this high increase in oxygen levels. Electronic failures can occur frequently due to oxygen damaging the conductive structure.
In such an atmosphere, significant changes are also seen in bacteria and microorganisms. The reproduction rate of aerobic bacteria increases, which creates an additional risk factor for human and animal health. On the other hand, in an environment with high oxygen levels, some bacteria become more resistant, and this can lead to the emergence of new types of infections. Such an increase in oxygen levels imposes radical changes on nature and society, pushing us into a struggle for survival.