The global carbon cycle is the process through which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms, playing a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate by controlling the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Human activities, such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered this cycle, leading to increased atmospheric CO2 levels and contributing to climate change.

Global Carbon Cycle

global carbon cycle

carbon

The atmosphere is a layer of gases surrounding a planet, crucial for sustaining life by regulating temperature and protecting from harmful solar radiation. It also plays a vital role in weather patterns and climate systems, influencing both local and global environments.

atmosphere

Oceans cover over 70% of Earth's surface and play a crucial role in regulating the planet's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and heat. They are home to diverse ecosystems and are vital for global biodiversity, supporting a wide range of marine life and human economies through resources like fisheries and tourism.

oceans

Soil is a dynamic natural resource composed of mineral particles, organic matter, water, and air, serving as a medium for plant growth and a habitat for numerous organisms. Its formation and fertility are influenced by factors such as parent material, climate, topography, biological activity, and time, making it a critical component of terrestrial ecosystems and agriculture.

soil

living organisms

Earth's climate is a complex system influenced by various natural and human-induced factors, resulting in a dynamic environment that affects global ecosystems and human societies. Understanding the climate requires studying atmospheric patterns, ocean currents, and the balance of energy entering and leaving the planet, as these are pivotal in predicting changes and impacts of climate variability and change.

Earth's climate

concentration of carbon dioxide

Human activities encompass the diverse range of actions and behaviors carried out by humans to sustain life, fulfill needs, and pursue interests. These activities impact the environment, society, and economy, shaping the world we live in through both positive and negative consequences.

Human activities

Fossil fuel combustion is the process of burning carbon-rich fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas to produce energy, releasing carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere. This process is a major contributor to global warming and air pollution, necessitating a transition to cleaner energy sources to mitigate environmental impacts.

fossil fuel combustion

Deforestation is the large-scale removal of forested areas, primarily driven by human activities such as agriculture, logging, and urban expansion, which leads to significant biodiversity loss and contributes to climate change by increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The practice disrupts ecosystems, affects water cycles, and threatens the livelihoods of indigenous communities who depend on forests for their survival.

deforestation

atmospheric CO2 levels

Climate change refers to significant, long-term changes in the global climate, largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. It results in global warming, extreme weather events, sea level rise, and disruptions to ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and human societies worldwide.

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