TEXT ON CARBON DIOXIDE

Read the following text on desert tree planting could lower atmospheric carbon dioxide level
The large-scale planting of jatropha trees in the worlds arid regions could help reduce
atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide, a new study says. Using computer models and data
from plantations in Egypt, India, and Madagascar, a team of German scientists calculated
that plantations of the durable, scrubby jatropha which can also be used as a biofuel could
capture 17 to 25 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare annually. Jatropha is particularly suited
for so-called carbon farming because it can grow in hot, dry regions where the soil is
unsuitable for food crops, according to the study, published in the journal Earth System
Dynamics. In addition, the researchers estimate that there are about 1 billion hectares of
unused and marginal land suitable for cultivating such tree plantations. Since jatropha trees
do require some water, the authors suggest they should be planted near coastal regions
where desalinated seawater could be accessible. Nature does it better, if we understand
and can make use of it in a sustainable manner, said Volker Wulfmeyer, one of the authors
of the study. The cost of carbon farming ranges from 42 to 63 euros per ton of carbon
dioxide, making it competitive with other CO2 reduction technologies, the study says.
As jatropha can flourish in the Sahel climate, surviving on less than 400mm rainfall per year
and resistant to drought and pests, it has the potential to contribute to the fight against
desertification. The soil protection properties and ease of propagation mean it is well suited
to being planted on land that has been lost through deforestation or desertification.
Jatropha has also many comparative advantages over diesel in terms of the environment.
The most obvious is that using jatropha oil as a fuel creates a closed CO 2 cycle, i.e. when
the oil is burned CO2 is given out into the atmosphere. But when the next crop of jatropha
grows, it takes the CO 2 back out of the atmosphere. Therefore there is no net release. With
diesel combustion however, the CO2 that was locked up inside the fuel millions of years ago
is released, but there is no absorption. So the jatropha helps to reduce the climate change.

Jatropha tree
Source : e360 digest

QUESTION 1:
Jatropha tree could capture 17 to 25 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare annually.
Why does Jatropha tree absorb large amount of carbon dioxide?
Circle the Yes or No for each of the following.
Statement
Jatropha trees carry out photosynthesis
Jatropha trees carry out respiration

Yes/No
Yes/No

QUESTION 2:
If the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide is not reduced, it will lead to other phenomenon on
earth. Which of the following is the main effect of the increased atmospheric carbon dioxide
level?
A. Increased of atmospheric temperature
B. Melting of ice at the poles
C. The rise of sea level
D. Greenhouse effect
QUESTION 3:

Jatropha oil can also be used as environmentally friendly biofuel as compared to diesel.
Give a fact to support this statement.

..
QUESTION 4:
Jatropha tree can grow in hot, dry regions where the soil is unsuitable for food crops.
Explain why?
..
..
QUESTION 5:
Level of atmospheric carbon dioxide is increasing all over the world. Suggest how you can
contribute to reduce the atmospheric carbon dioxide level in your residential area?

PENSKORAN KARBON DIOKSIDA 1

Kredit penuh
Kod 1 : Ya, Tidak
Tiada kredit
Kod 0 : Respon lain
Kod 9 : Tiada respon

PENSKORAN KARBON DIOKSIDA 2

Kredit penuh
Kod 1 : D
Tiada kredit
Kod 0 : Respon lain
Kod 9 : Tiada respon

PENSKORAN KARBON DIOKSIDA 3

Kredit penuh
Kod 1 : Apabila minyak jarak dibakar, karbon dioksida dibebaskan ke atmosfera.
Apabila tanaman jarak yang berikut membesar, ia akan menyerap karbon dioksida
tersebut dari atmosfera. Tiada pelepasan bersih karbon dioksida ke udara.
Karbon dioksida yang terperangkap dalam diesel berjuta tahun yang lalu akan
terbebas ke atmosfera semasa pembakaran, tetapi tiada penyerapan
Tiada kredit
Kod 0 : Respon lain
Kod 9 : Tiada respon

PENSKORAN KARBON DIOKSIDA 4

Kredit penuh
Kod 1 : mudah dibiakkan
mempunyai rintangan tinggi terhadap kemarau dan perosak
mampu hidup dalam keadaan taburan hujan di bawah 400mm
Tiada kredit
Kod 0 : Respon lain
Kod 9 : Tiada respon

PENSKORAN KARBON DIOKSIDA 5

Kredit penuh
Kod 1 : mengurangkan penebangan hutan
berkongsi kenderaan
menanam semula pokok
menunggang basikal / berjalan kaki
menjimatkan penggunaan elektrik
Tiada kredit
Kod 0 : Respon lain
Kod 9 : Tiada respon