Sergio Philippe O.

Borromeo MWF 10:30-11:30 AM (Group 23)

BS Economics Block A GE-STS

The Carbon Cycle and Our Climate

The carbon cycle is the process of taking in and releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) into our atmosphere. The
cycle exemplifies the relationship of biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem. It involves plants using
CO2 for photosynthesis, plants releasing oxygen for animals and CO2 is released by animals, which
decompose and are eaten. Plants use CO2 to produce food and animals consume plants. Combustion also
produces CO2. A disruption would be a problem for plants and animals---creating a domino effect.
Without the cycle, plants would die, leaving no oxygen for inhalation. The rate by which the cycle takes
place affects temperatures in the planet, going through cycles of ups and downs. Events like volcanic
eruptions can temporarily alter the cycle and affect weather patterns. However, our planet is going
through unprecedented rates of warming as a result of our species producing too much carbon dioxide. As
more factories are being built, more carbon is emitted. As more trees get chopped or burned down, the
more likely the cycle gets disrupted. Our activities exacerbate our planet’s condition and put ourselves in
the middle of an existential crisis. Eventually, trees may no longer compensate for the amount of carbon
being produced.