answersLogoWhite

0

The planet has a number of huge carbon sinks, removing CO2 from the atmosphere. The largest is the ocean, as CO2 dissolves. This absorbs roughly 80% of all carbon dioxide.

Other sinks are photosynthesis by vegetation and phytoplankton, and the weathering of silicate rock. For more details, read about the carbon cycle.

Currently, sources of carbon must outweigh the sinks because atmospheric CO2 is increasing globally by roughly 2 parts per million by volume per year, as can be seen in the NOAA measurements of atmospheric CO2. CO2 is even higher in cities and industrial areas, in places where fossil fuels are being burnt in quantity.

The easiest way for us to reduce the carbon dioxide levels is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This is the scientific consensus view, and is the view held by the IPCC, all major scientific bodies and national academies of science around the world.

User Avatar

Rubye Mante

Lvl 13
2y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Earth Science

True or false removal of forests reduces the earth ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

True. Forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis. When forests are removed, this natural carbon sink is diminished, leading to an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.


Which processes transfer carbon into the atmosphere?

The burning of fossil fuels and deforestation are the main processes that transfer carbon into the atmosphere. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the air, while deforestation reduces the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.


What do plants do to lessen the greenhouse effect?

Plants help lessen the greenhouse effect by absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. They store this carbon in their biomass, which reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Additionally, plants release oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis, which helps to balance the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.


Why do carbon dioxide levels change seasonally?

Carbon dioxide levels change seasonally due to the natural processes of photosynthesis and respiration in plants. During the spring and summer months, plants take in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, which reduces the levels in the atmosphere. In the fall and winter, when plants go dormant or lose their leaves, respiration releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, causing an increase in levels.


How could cutting down trees lead to the build up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. When trees are cut down and not replaced, this carbon dioxide is no longer absorbed, leading to an increase in its levels in the atmosphere. Additionally, when trees are burnt or decompose, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Related Questions

The process of photosynthesis reduces the amount of?

The process of photosynthesis reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by converting it into glucose, using sunlight and water as energy sources.


True or false removal of forests reduces the earth ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

True. Forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis. When forests are removed, this natural carbon sink is diminished, leading to an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.


Which processes transfer carbon into the atmosphere?

The burning of fossil fuels and deforestation are the main processes that transfer carbon into the atmosphere. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the air, while deforestation reduces the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.


Does carbon dioxide sink or rise in the atmosphere?

Carbon dioxide rises in the atmosphere.


What do plants do to lessen the greenhouse effect?

Plants help lessen the greenhouse effect by absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. They store this carbon in their biomass, which reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Additionally, plants release oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis, which helps to balance the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.


What molecule carries most of the carbon in the atmosphere?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the molecule that carries most of the carbon in the atmosphere.


Why do carbon dioxide levels change seasonally?

Carbon dioxide levels change seasonally due to the natural processes of photosynthesis and respiration in plants. During the spring and summer months, plants take in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, which reduces the levels in the atmosphere. In the fall and winter, when plants go dormant or lose their leaves, respiration releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, causing an increase in levels.


Does Soils emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?

Yes, I think soil can emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.


The process of decay releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?

The process of decay releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere


How could cutting down trees lead to the build up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. When trees are cut down and not replaced, this carbon dioxide is no longer absorbed, leading to an increase in its levels in the atmosphere. Additionally, when trees are burnt or decompose, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.


Carbon is stored in the atmosphere in the form of what molecule?

Carbon is stored in the atmosphere primarily as carbon dioxide (CO2) molecule.


What the from of carbon in the atmosphere?

Most of the carbon in the atmosphere is in the form of carbon dioxide, (CO2) gas.