Discussion 08

Climate in Crisis: Atmosphere, Carbon Cycle, and Climate Change

Earth’s atmosphere and carbon cycle are integral to maintaining life and a stable climate. However, human activities
such as industrialization, deforestation, and excessive fossil fuel use have disrupted these systems. The result?
Climate change, ozone depletion, and environmental degradation, all of which threaten ecosystems and human
well-being.

This discussion unpacks the properties of the atmosphere, the carbon cycle, and the drivers of climate change. It
also highlights the global and local efforts required to mitigate these issues, emphasizing the importance of
collective action to secure a sustainable future.

The Atmosphere: Earth’s Protective Layer

The atmosphere is a dynamic layer of gases that surrounds Earth, shielding it from harmful solar radiation and
regulating temperature.

Composition of the Atmosphere

• Nitrogen (78%): Supports the nitrogen cycle, essential for plant growth.

• Oxygen (21%): Vital for respiration in animals and humans.

• Argon (0.9%): A noble gas used in industrial applications.

• Trace Gases (0.1%): Includes carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and water vapor, which play significant
roles in regulating the climate.

Functions of the Atmosphere

1. UV Protection: The ozone layer blocks harmful ultraviolet radiation.

2. Temperature Regulation: Greenhouse gases maintain Earth’s habitable climate.

3. Weather Systems: Facilitates precipitation, wind patterns, and the water cycle.

Example: Without greenhouse gases, Earth's average temperature would plummet to -33°C, making life
impossible.

The Carbon Cycle: Nature’s Balancing Act

The carbon cycle describes the movement of carbon among the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms.

Key Processes in the Carbon Cycle

1. Photosynthesis: Plants absorb CO₂ and release oxygen, forming the basis of life.

2. Respiration: Animals and plants return CO₂ to the atmosphere during energy production.
 3. Decomposition: Microorganisms break down dead organisms, releasing stored carbon.

4. Combustion: Burning fossil fuels releases vast amounts of CO₂, disrupting the cycle.

Significance of the Carbon Cycle

• Regulates global temperature by maintaining CO₂ balance.

• Drives energy flow in ecosystems, supporting biodiversity.

Example: The Amazon rainforest, often called "the lungs of the Earth," absorbs billions of tons of CO₂
annually, helping mitigate climate change.

The Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is the natural process by which certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere, keeping Earth
warm enough for life.

Natural Greenhouse Effect

• Maintains Earth’s average temperature at 15°C.

• Essential for sustaining ecosystems and human life.

Human-Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

Human activities have increased greenhouse gas concentrations, amplifying the effect and causing global
warming.

Major Greenhouse Gases

1. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Emitted by burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

2. Methane (CH₄): Released by livestock, agriculture, and landfills.

3. Nitrous Oxide (N₂O): From synthetic fertilizers and industrial processes.

4. Fluorinated Gases: Used in industrial applications like refrigeration.

Example: Methane is 25 times more effective at trapping heat than CO₂, making it a potent contributor to
global warming.

Climate Change: A Global Crisis

Climate change refers to significant and long-term changes in global temperatures and weather patterns due to
human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.

Causes of Climate Change

1. Fossil Fuel Use: Power plants, vehicles, and industries are major sources of CO₂.

2. Deforestation: Reduces Earth's capacity to absorb CO₂.

3. Agricultural Activities: Release methane and nitrous oxide from livestock and fertilizers.
 4. Waste Management: Landfills emit methane during organic waste decomposition.

Effects of Climate Change

1. Rising Temperatures: Average global temperatures are increasing at an unprecedented rate.

o Example: The last decade was the hottest on record.

2. Melting Ice and Rising Seas: Coastal areas face flooding and erosion.

o Example: Pacific island nations like Tuvalu are at risk of disappearing.

3. Extreme Weather Events: More frequent hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires.

o Example: The 2023 Canadian wildfires caused extensive ecological and economic damage.

4. Ecosystem Disruption: Species migration, habitat loss, and extinction.

o Example: Polar bears face declining populations as Arctic ice melts.

Ozone Depletion
The ozone layer shields Earth from harmful UV radiation. Ozone-depleting substances (ODS), such as
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), have thinned this protective layer.

Impacts of Ozone Depletion

1. Increased skin cancer and cataracts in humans.

2. Reduced crop yields due to UV damage.

3. Disruption of marine food chains starting with phytoplankton.

Global Efforts and Policies

1. Kyoto Protocol

• International treaty adopted in 1997 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Focused on industrialized nations and set binding emission targets.

2. Montreal Protocol

• Enacted in 1987 to phase out ozone-depleting substances.

• Successfully reduced CFC production, helping restore the ozone layer.

3. Clean Air Act (Philippines - RA 8749)

• Implements emission standards for vehicles and industries.

• Promotes the "polluter pays" principle to encourage accountability.

Mitigation Strategies
1. Transition to Renewable Energy

o Shift to solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

o Example: Germany generates over 40% of its electricity from renewables.

2. Afforestation and Reforestation

o Planting trees to absorb CO₂ and restore ecosystems.

o Example: The Trillion Trees Initiative aims to combat deforestation globally.

3. Energy Efficiency

o Implementing energy-saving technologies in homes and industries.

o Example: LED lighting reduces electricity consumption by up to 80%.

4. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

o Capturing CO₂ from industrial processes and storing it underground.

o Example: Norway’s Sleipner project stores over 1 million tons of CO₂ annually.

5. Sustainable Agriculture

o Reducing methane emissions through improved livestock management.

o Example: Feeding cattle seaweed supplements cuts methane production significantly.

Interactive Activities
1. Personal Carbon Footprint Audit

o Track your energy use, waste production, and transportation habits.

o Identify steps to reduce your carbon emissions.

2. Climate Policy Debate

o Discuss the effectiveness of the Kyoto Protocol and similar agreements.

o Propose new measures to tackle climate change.

3. Community Action Projects

o Organize tree-planting drives or campaigns to promote renewable energy.

o Work with local leaders to improve waste management systems.

Conclusion
Earth’s atmosphere and carbon cycle are under unprecedented stress due to human activities. Climate change,
ozone depletion, and rising greenhouse gases require urgent action. By adopting sustainable practices, supporting
global policies, and raising awareness, we can work toward a resilient future for our planet.

Reflection Question:
What changes can you make in your lifestyle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change?