Human Energy Systems Unit Activity 5.2: Energy Scenarios Carbon: Transformations in Matter and Energy Environmental Literacy Project Michigan State University Human Energy Systems Unit Activity 5.2: Energy Scenarios
Energy Scenarios
Energy Use Causes Carbon to Move Biomass organic carbon Atmosphere Inorganic CO2 Before the Industrial Revolution, the atmosphere maintained a balance with the biomass pool through photosynthesis and cellular respiration. As carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere continue to rise, so will temperatures. What are the consequences of increasing temperatures for people and the planet? However, the biomass pool can only sequester a limited amount of carbon. Today, we are adding too much CO2 to the atmosphere pool. This causes an imbalance. Soil organic carbon Fossil Fuels organic carbon If we continue to use fossil fuels at current rates, it will be impossible for the planet to maintain its natural balance between the atmosphere and biomass pool. When we burn fossil fuels in vehicles and buildings, we move carbon from the fossil fuel pool to the atmosphere pool.