The Earth in Balance

All living things are made of matter. Matter flows through ecosystems All living things are made of matter. Matter flows through ecosystems. It is recycled through respiration and decomposition.

Carbon Cycle All living things are made of carbon Carbon Cycle All living things are made of carbon. Plants use carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Respiration by plants, animals and decomposers e.g. bacteria returns carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

Fossil Fuels Coal, oil, natural gas, turf They burn to release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. They are a non-renewable source of fuel. Photosynthesis Carbon dioxide + water + (chlorophyll + sunlight)-> glucose + oxygen Respiration Glucose + oxygen + (enzymes) -> Carbon dioxide + water + energy

Water Cycle Water moves through the environment in a cycle called the water cycle. Over 70% of the planet is covered by water.

The Greenhouse Effect The earths atmosphere acts a bit like the glass panels of a green house, trapping heat inside and keeping the average temperature of the earth warm.

The gases responsible for increasing the green house effect are carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour. The amount of these gases in the atmosphere has greatly increased in the last 100 years.

How can we reduce the green house gases? 1. Reduce the amount of fossil fuel we use. 2. Plant more trees to use up Carbon dioxide. Global Warming The earths average temperature is quite steady. Human activity e.g. increased release of green house gases is causing an increase in the average temperature of the planet. This is caused by: Burning fossil fuels. Deforestation.

Climate Change Scientists believe that global warming is causing many of the extreme and unusual weather patterns e.g. storms, flooding etc. we are experiencing in recent years.

Your Carbon Footprint Your carbon footprint is a measure of green house gas emissions that are caused by the activities that you do e.g. food you eat, travel etc.