Beruflich Dokumente
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5.2.1 - Draw and label a diagram of the carbon cycle to show the processes involved
Carbon can be found in four 'pools,' and moves between these four pools through a variety
of biological, geochemical or industrial processes.
Biosphere
Oceans
Atmosphere
Sediments
Photosynthesis - By terrestrial plants and algae in which atmospheric (and dissolved) carbon
dioxide is removed and fixed as organic compounds such as carbohydrate, lipid and protein
Respiration - This is done by all organisms in which they metabolise organic molecules,
releasing carbon dioxide
Feeding - The carbon of organic molecules is moved from one link in the food chain to
another
Fossilisation - Carbon, as organic molecules, becomes trapped in sediment as coal, gas and
oil
Combustion - This happens during the burning of fossil fuels and biomass
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The trends in atmospheric gases are studied as indicators of potential climate change. Those
studied include carbon dioxide, methane and oxides of nitrogen, the greenhouse gases. In
Mauna Loa, atmospheric carbon dioxide has been studied since 1958. There are many other
labs around the world these days, adding to the database of carbon dioxide levels.
Carbon dioxide is released unevenly around the world, which is in part due to the
distribution of vegetation. Therefore, collective data allows us to see what has happened
after there is mixing of the atmospheric carbon dioxide. The basic trend is an increase in
atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Longer term estimates of global CO 2 levels have been
determined by a variety of sources including gases trapped in ancient ice cores.
Bubbles of atmospheric gases are trapped within the ice formed thousands of years ago.
Taking cores of the ice and then analysing the gases allows CO 2 levels to be determined. The
temperature can be determined from the ratio of O 16 to O18. From this, in has been
concluded that there is a clear correlation between atmospheric CO 2 and temperature. Of
course, correlation does not mean causation.
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5.2.5 - Evaluate the precautionary principle as a justification for strong action in response
to the threats posed by the enhanced greenhouse effect
Burden of Proof
Those making the claims must prove, with sufficient evidence, that it is true before others
change their understanding or behaviour. Therefore, the environmentalists need to provide
conclusive evidence that the actions of the polluters are causing harm to the environment.
Precautionary Principle
Those who are accused of being responsible for causing the enhanced greenhouse effect are
required to demonstrate that their actions do not cause harm. This would fall upon
governments, industries, communities and individuals to show this.
The General Effects include:
o
Loss of biodiversity
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