Question

How is the carbon cycle connected to global warming?

Answer 1

Hint: Carbon is one of the important constituents of organisms. The atmosphere comprises carbon dioxide which is circulated within the atmosphere and the living organism by the process of the carbon cycle. Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas.

Complete answer:
The carbon cycle refers to the circulation of carbon between the atmosphere and the biosphere. The carbon atoms travel from the atmosphere to the earth and from the earth, it is given back to the atmosphere. The carbon is released back to the atmosphere by the process of volcanic eruption, burning of fuels, fires, decomposition of animals etc. The carbon present in the atmosphere is in the form of monoxides and dioxides.

The carbon cycle regulates the quantity of carbon dioxide in the air. The carbon dioxide traps the heat and increases the temperature whereas the carbon cycle helps in maintaining the temperature by the circulation of the carbon with the living beings. The trees help in creating a balance of carbon dioxide with the atmosphere. The animals take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide whereas the trees take in oxygen for photosynthesis and give out oxygen. This helps in creating a balance with the environment.

Carbon dioxide is a major pollutant of the atmosphere. The increase in population and a smaller number of trees are leading to increasing in carbon dioxide concentration in the air. This carbon dioxide increase leads to global warming and contributes to climatic change.

Note: One of the ways to reduce global warming is afforestation as the forests are known as the lungs of the earth. The other greenhouse gases are nitrogen oxides, methane, fluorinated gases etc. One of the major effects of global warming is an increase in temperature and climatic change which is affecting the flora and fauna of a place. If this continues, several species will become extinct.