How long does CO2 stay in the atmosphere and what are the implications of its prolonged presence on the environment?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) can stay in the atmosphere for hundreds to thousands of years. Its prolonged presence contributes to global warming and climate change by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to rising temperatures, melting ice caps, sea level rise, and more frequent extreme weather events. This can have serious consequences for ecosystems, biodiversity, agriculture, and human health.