Why does Carbon make our planet warmer?

FOR YOUR NOTEBOOK:

Lesson:  Why Carbon Makes the Atmosphere Warmer

Section 1: Vocabulary

1. Greenhouse Effect – The process by which certain gases trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere, making the planet warmer.

2. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – A greenhouse gas released from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and natural processes.

3. Methane (CH₄) – A powerful greenhouse gas that traps heat more effectively than CO₂ but is present in smaller amounts.

4. Infrared Radiation – A type of energy (heat) emitted by Earth’s surface after absorbing sunlight.

5. Absorption – The process by which greenhouse gases trap infrared radiation and prevent it from escaping into space.

6. Reflection – The bouncing of some sunlight off Earth’s atmosphere and surface, with part of it being trapped by greenhouse gases.

7. Fossil Fuels – Natural fuels (coal, oil, and gas) formed from ancient organic matter that release CO₂ when burned.

8. Deforestation – The removal of trees, which reduces the ability of forests to absorb CO₂.

9. Global Warming – The increase in Earth’s average temperature due to human and natural greenhouse gas emissions.

10. Climate Change – Long-term changes in temperature, weather patterns, and ecosystems caused by increased greenhouse gases.

Section 2: Linking Vocabulary to Global Climate Change

Step 1: The Greenhouse Effect and Heat Trapping

Earth receives energy from the Sun in the form of sunlight. Some of this energy is absorbed by the Earth's surface, warming it, while some is reflected back into space. However, greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) trap some of this heat in the atmosphere in the form of infrared radiation. This is called the greenhouse effect, and it keeps Earth warm enough for life.

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Step 2: Human Activities Increase Greenhouse Gases

Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) for energy and deforestation, release extra CO₂ into the atmosphere. More carbon dioxide means more heat is absorbed instead of escaping into space, leading to global warming.

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Step 3: Consequences of a Warmer Atmosphere

As the Earth warms, climate change occurs, leading to more extreme weather, rising sea levels, and disruptions in ecosystems. Increased methane (CH₄) from agriculture and industrial activities also worsens the effect, as methane is even better at trapping heat than CO₂.

Conclusion

Carbon in the atmosphere plays a critical role in Earth's climate. While the greenhouse effect is necessary for life, excessive CO₂ from human activities is causing global warming and climate change, which threaten ecosystems, weather patterns, and human societies.