Question

Explain how carbon is cycled. Explain how any human activity other than
deforestation can disrupt the natural carbon cycle.

Answer 1

The carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon between the atmosphere, biosphere, oceans and geosphere. Since the Industrial Revolution approximately 150 years ago, human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation have begun to have an effect on the carbon cycle and the rise of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Human activities affect the carbon cycle through emissions of carbon dioxide (sources) and removal of carbon dioxide (sinks). The carbon cycle can be affected when carbon dioxide is either released into the atmosphere or removed from the atmosphere.