6 Questions
What is the process called that involves the release and reabsorption of carbon dioxide on Earth?
Carbon cycle
What is the role of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
It traps part of the sun's heat
What has been the result of human activities such as extracting fossil fuels and clearing forests?
The addition of new carbon blocks to the carbon cycle
What has been the trend in the amount of carbon in the atmosphere since 1750?
It has increased by 40%
What is the source of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas?
Remains of ancient plants and animals
What has been the impact of the current climate on human civilization?
It has allowed human civilization to thrive
Study Notes
- The Earth has been playing a "Tetris game" with carbon for centuries, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through volcanic eruptions, decaying plants, and living organisms, and reabsorbing it through photosynthesis, ocean absorption, or soil and sediment storage.
- This process is called the carbon cycle, which is essential for life on Earth.
- Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere traps part of the sun's heat, preventing the Earth from freezing like Mars, and is known as a greenhouse gas.
- The increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to an increase in the Earth's temperature.
- The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has fluctuated over the past 8,000 years due to glacial periods and asteroid impacts.
- However, the current climate, which has allowed human civilization to thrive, has been shaped during this period.
- Since around 200 years ago, humans have been extracting ancient carbon stored in fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which are formed from the remains of plants and animals that died long before humans appeared.
- By using these fuels, humans have added new carbon blocks to the "Tetris game", while also clearing forests for agriculture, which has weakened the Earth's ability to absorb these carbon blocks.
- Since 1750, the amount of carbon in the atmosphere has increased by 40%, with no signs of slowing down.
- As the carbon blocks accumulate, it becomes increasingly difficult to restore balance, and the excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere accelerates global warming, causing the polar ice caps to melt, and subsequently, sea levels to rise.
- Climate change can affect people and places in different ways, but ultimately, it is a game that we must all play together, and unlike Tetris, we cannot start over and try again.
Learn about the essential carbon cycle, how human activities have disrupted the balance, and the consequences of climate change. Understand the role of carbon dioxide, fossil fuels, and deforestation in global warming and its impact on our planet.
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