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Lesson 1: The Carbon Cycle

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

Understand the definition and significance of the carbon cycle
Be able to identify key components and processes of the carbon cycle
Recognise human impacts on the carbon cycle

Video Duration: 30 minutes approximately

Lesson Notes

Introduction to the Carbon Cycle

High-level definition of the carbon cycle:

Exchange of carbon between atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms
Photosynthesis: CO2 absorbed
Respiration: CO2 released
Human activities disrupt the cycle through processes such as combustion

For image see Reference Link 1.

Key Players in the Carbon Cycle

Plants
Animals
Microorganisms
Oceans

For images see Reference Links 2, 3, 4 and 5.

How Carbon Moves

Carbon moves via:

The atmosphere: Gases surrounding the planet
The biosphere: Earth’s zone where life exists
The geosphere: Crust, mantle and core
The hydrosphere: All of earth’s water

For image see Reference Link 1.

Processes in the Carbon Cycle

Photosynthesis
Respiration
Decomposition
Combustion
Fossil Fuel Combustion

Photosynthesis

Sunlight energy and CO2 converted to organic matter
Carbon is stored in plant biomass and soil (carbon sink)
Carbon is also stored in the soil as these plants die

For image see Reference Link 7.

Respiration

Energy is released from organic compounds through respiration
CO2 is a by-product
Humans breathing contribute to CO2 emissions to the atmosphere

For image see Reference Link 8.

Decomposition

Breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms into CO2, H2O, nutrients
Returns C to atmosphere and soil
Releases CO2 and CH4
Includes both plant and animal decomposition

For image see Reference Link 9.

Combustion

Reaction between fuel and oxidant
Releases heat, light and CO2
Energy production
Transportation
Industrial activities

For image see Reference Link 10.

Fossil Fuel Combustion

Coal, oil, natural gas
Anthropogenic CO2 emissions: climate change/global warming
Transition to renewable energy sources in response

For image see Reference Link 11.

Human Impact on the Carbon Cycle

Deforestation
Agriculture
Industrialisation
Urbanisation
Energy Production
Transportation

For images see Reference Links 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17.

Conclusion

Defined the carbon cycle, and the key players and processes which combine to make it up
Human impacts on the carbon cycle, and some of the factors which are continuing to drive these impacts
Discussion on some mindset changes which may lead to change in the human impact on the carbon cycle

CEP1014: Understanding Emissions

Lesson 1: The Carbon Cycle

Learning Outcomes

Lesson Notes

Introduction to the Carbon Cycle​

Key Players in the Carbon Cycle​

How Carbon Moves​

Processes in the Carbon Cycle​

Photosynthesis

Respiration​

Decomposition​

Combustion​

Fossil Fuel Combustion​

Human Impact on the Carbon Cycle​