A simple model of glow discharges in CO2 is presented. In the framework of this model, analytical expressions for plasma characteristics (the electric field, the electron density, the gas temperature, the vibrational temperature of asymmetric mode) and for the molar fraction of CO molecules produced at CO2 dissociation by electron impact have been obtained. The plasma characteristics have been estimated for CO2 discharges at pressures 0.4-5 Torr and currents 10-50 mA. The estimates are consistent with recent experimental results obtained in DC discharges in the indicated pressure and current range.