170k views
2 votes
Are global carbon sources and sinks currently balanced?

User Blelump
by
7.6k points

2 Answers

0 votes

Step-by-step explanation:

Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. While natural processes, such as photosynthesis and carbon uptake by oceans, act as sinks, they may not fully offset the anthropogenic carbon emissions. Continuous monitoring and research are crucial to understand the current state, but efforts were being made to enhance carbon sinks and mitigate carbon emissions to achieve a better balance.

2 votes

Final answer:

Global carbon sources and sinks are currently not balanced, and human activities are causing an increase in atmospheric CO₂ levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The global carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon between different reservoirs on Earth, such as the atmosphere, biosphere, upper oceans, and deep oceans. Currently, global carbon sources and sinks are not balanced. Natural emissions of CO₂ from these reservoirs are in balance with absorption, but human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, are releasing more carbon into the atmosphere than can be absorbed. As a result, atmospheric CO₂ levels have been steadily increasing, leading to climate change and its consequences.

User Maliger
by
7.5k points