Day 14: Natural Sources of Carbon

Today you will learn about the natural sources of carbon, why it contributes to climate change, and how eliminate or mitigate the problems of natural sources to solve climate change.

Summary

Explain succinctly what natural sources of carbon are from first principles.

Natural sources of carbon refer to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere through natural processes, not directly caused by human activities. These sources include natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions, wildfires, decomposition of organic matter, and respiration by living organisms. Natural carbon emissions have been part of Earth's carbon cycle for millions of years and are balanced by natural sinks, like forests and oceans, which absorb and store carbon.

Why are natural sources of carbon a problem that causes climate change?

While natural sources of carbon have always been present in the Earth's carbon cycle, human activities have significantly increased the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes release vast amounts of additional CO2 into the atmosphere, upsetting the natural balance. As a result, the atmosphere's capacity to absorb and store carbon is overwhelmed, leading to higher concentrations of GHGs, particularly CO2 and methane (CH4). These additional GHGs trap more heat from the sun, causing the Earth's average temperature to rise, leading to global warming and climate change.

Why are natural sources of carbon important to address? What's at stake if we don't address it?

Addressing natural sources of carbon is important for several reasons:

• Baseline emissions: While human activities significantly contribute to climate change, natural sources of carbon are a critical part of the carbon cycle. Understanding and quantifying these natural emissions helps establish a baseline against which human-caused emissions can be measured and evaluated.
• Climate feedback loops: Climate change can trigger feedback loops within natural systems, causing them to release more carbon. For instance, as the Earth warms, permafrost in the Arctic thaws, releasing large amounts of trapped methane, which, in turn, accelerates global warming.
• Climate resilience: Protecting and restoring natural carbon sinks, such as forests and wetlands, is essential for building climate resilience. Healthy ecosystems can absorb and store more carbon, mitigating the impact of human-caused emissions.
• Scientific understanding: Accurate accounting of natural carbon sources is crucial for climate modeling and improving our understanding of the complex interactions between the Earth's climate and its natural systems.

If we don't address the impacts of natural sources of carbon, it could exacerbate climate change and further disrupt the Earth's delicate climate balance, leading to more extreme weather events, sea-level rise, ecosystem disruptions, and threats to human well-being and biodiversity.

How might we eliminate or mitigate the problems of natural sources of carbon?

While we cannot eliminate natural sources of carbon, we can take several actions to mitigate their impact and work towards a balanced carbon cycle:

• Conservation and restoration: Protect and restore natural carbon sinks, such as forests, wetlands, and mangroves, which can sequester and store large amounts of carbon.
• Sustainable land management: Implement sustainable land management practices that promote carbon sequestration and reduce emissions from natural sources, such as controlled burns to prevent uncontrolled wildfires.
• Climate adaptation: Develop strategies to adapt to the impacts of natural carbon sources, such as enhancing climate-resilient agriculture and coastal protection measures.
• Scientific research: Invest in scientific research to improve our understanding of natural carbon emissions, their drivers, and their potential impacts on climate change.

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Additional Resources

Books:

• "The Carbon Cycle: Crossing the Great Divide" by Kate Rawles - This book provides a comprehensive overview of the carbon cycle, including natural sources of carbon and their role in climate change.
• "Natural Climate Solutions: The Missing Ingredient in the Climate Fight" by Bronson Griscom - This explores natural solutions for addressing climate change, including the role of natural sources of carbon and how they can be managed to mitigate global warming.
• "The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars: Dispatches from the Front Lines" by Michael E. Mann - While not exclusively focused on natural sources of carbon, this book discusses the science behind climate change, including natural carbon emissions, and the challenges of climate change communication.

Courses:

• The Science and Practice of Sustainable Development by the University of Queensland - This course explores the scientific aspects of sustainability, including the carbon cycle and natural climate solutions.‍
• Causes of Climate Change by the University of Bergen - This course examines the science of climate change, including natural sources of carbon, and discusses adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Scholars:

• Dr. Susan Trumbore - An expert in biogeochemistry and carbon cycling, Dr. Trumbore's research focuses on understanding carbon sources and sinks in natural systems.
• Dr. Charles D. Koven - Known for his work on ecosystem-climate interactions, Dr. Koven's research explores the role of natural sources of carbon in the context of climate change.
• Dr. Merritt R. Turetsky - A leading scholar in ecosystem ecology and permafrost studies, Dr. Turetsky's research investigates the impact of natural carbon emissions on climate change.

Podcasts:

• "Warm Regards" - While not exclusively focused on natural carbon sources, this podcast covers various climate change topics, including those related to the carbon cycle and ecosystems.

Top Skills To Learn

The following skills are recommend to learn:

• Ecology and environmental science: Understand the dynamics of ecosystems, the carbon cycle, and the role of natural sources of carbon emissions in the context of climate change.
• Climate modeling and data analysis: Master climate modeling techniques and data analysis to quantify and predict the impact of natural carbon sources on the Earth's climate system.
• Climate policy and advocacy: Learn about climate policies and strategies for climate change mitigation, as well as effective advocacy techniques to influence decision-makers and promote sustainable environmental practices.

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Activity

Activity: Local Carbon Cycling Observation

Description: Choose a local natural area, such as a park, forest, or wetland. Spend time observing the natural processes that contribute to carbon cycling in the ecosystem. Note factors like plant growth, decomposition, and carbon storage. Reflect on how these processes relate to the carbon cycle and its connection to climate change.

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Skill Lesson Mastered

Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson by applying it to the above activity. If, and only if, you have a full understanding and have mastered the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson, select the next lesson in the navigation.