That's odd Prometheus, you yourself indicated earlier that C02 was not "dirty." I was merely adding to your stated point. If you are concerned about "greenhouse" gases, then you should be far more concerned with water vapour, as it is the dominant infra red absorbing constituent of the atmosphere.
What I was pointing out that it (C02) is essential to life - as in its crucial roll in photosynthesis both on land and in the oceans. Unfortunately it is all too typical for many people who claim an interest in the environment to not understand much about it. Each year, the forests of the world emit far more C02 into the atmosphere than humans do. The oceans emit even more than forests. The fact is that there is a global cycle for carbon dioxide and it has existed for billions of years. Numerous plant species thrive in environments with higher C02 levels. That is one reason why some types of greenhouses are constructed.
If carbon dioxide is essential to life, then how can it be a pollutant? We all exhale carbon dioxide. Are we polluting by being alive? Is water a pollutant as well because it is a persistent "greenhouse" gas?
It is interesting how one molecule can illicit so many emotional responses. I think there are other molecules that deserve more attention than this one. Other people would differ in their opinion. But be that as it may...
I'm hoping there is no need from some protracted debate on the issue, so would it be possible at this time to get back to the thread on the electric car?