1. The Carbon Cycle

2. Recycling in the Biosphere
Energy and matter move through the biosphere very differently.
Unlike the one-way flow of energy, matter is recycled within and between ecosystems.

3. Water moves between the ocean, atmosphere, and land.
This diagram shows the main processes involved in the water cycle. Scientists estimate that it can take a single water molecule as long as 4000 years to complete one cycle.

4. Carbon Cycle
Carbon is a key ingredient of EVERY living tissue.

5. Carbon Cycle
Biogeochemical processes =
Decomposition and burial of dead organisms
Conversion under pressure into coal and fossil fuels (oil & natural gas)
What human activities release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?.

6. Carbon Cycle
Carbon is found in several large reservoirs in the biosphere. In the atmosphere, it is found as carbon dioxide gas; in the oceans as dissolved carbon dioxide; on land in organisms, rocks, and soil; and underground as coal, petroleum, and calcium carbonate rock. 

8. Forests Oceans Atmosphere Carbon Sinks
Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to perform photosynthesis
Oceans
water can absorb co2 very easily
Atmosphere
CO2 has been accumulating for years and will stay until it passes through each layer

11. Debate Activity
Based on your side of the room, get together with your classmates and make a short speech or presentation based on the following scenarios.
Left side of the room follow scenario 1
Right side of the room follow scenario 2
You have 20 minutes you must have a written copy of what you will be saying.

12. Debate Activity
Imagine for a moment that you live on an island that is only a few feet above sea level. If the sea level keeps rising the way it is now, in 10 years the sea will be swallowing up your beach, destroying the coral reef surrounding your home and the severely impacting the community you live in. Explain to a person who drives a car in the United States and tell them why they should find a way to use less gasoline (give them suggestions how to do so).
Now imagine you are a worker at the oil refinery in El Segundo. The job has provided you with a good income and a way to support your family for many years. Explain to someone who is worried about air pollution why it is a good thing to have refined gasoline to keep our economy working.