Earth Systems and Atmosphere

The Carbon Cycle

The movement of carbon from one area to another is the basis for the carbon cycle. As carbon moves between the spheres, it affects or is affected by climate change.

What’s carbon’s role in climate change?

There has always been a certain amount of carbon in the atmosphere. Since the Industrial Revolution in the 1700’s, human activities, such as the burning of oil, coal and natural gas, have increased carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in the atmosphere. This extra human-produced carbon in the atmosphere is contributing to the global warming of our planet.