The Global Carbon Cycle: The Chemistry of Climate Change

Over the past century or so, human activities have altered the atmospheric balance, affecting processes such as the global carbon cycle—with environmental consequences. The global carbon cycle is a complex series of both abiotic and biotic processes. While atmospheric carbon levels have varied in the past, humans have definitively altered the global carbon cycle through fossil fuel use and forest destruction. Recent attempts at managing the carbon cycle include reforestation and geologic/oceanic sequestration. At current rates of human activity, atmospheric carbon levels will continue to rise unless emissions are substantially cut immediately. Students will attempt to answer: what are the effects of global climate change on local ecosystems, and how can they be managed most effectively?