The element Carbon is the fourth most abundant in the Universe. Here on Earth, Carbon is present in what we eat, in what we live and drive, and also in us. DNA is formed by two intertwined molecules around a Carbon chain. From the smallest protein chain in DNA to the largest mountain on the planet, Carbon is responsible for one of the most important cycles that allow humans to survive on Earth. The Carbon cycle is divided into Slow and Fast. During my lifespan, I will be able to directly affect the Fast Carbon cycle, which usually lasts a lifespan. The Slow Carbon Cycle takes much longer, around few hundred thousands of years. So how do Carbon Cycle and I get along?
Human emissions are responsible for a great influence on the Fast Carbon Cycle. Humans increase the Carbon emissions by burning fossil fuel and deforestation. I use electricity, I drive my car, and I heat my house in the cold months – all actions that increase emissions of Carbon in the atmosphere. The Fast Carbon Cycle moves around 1,000 to 100,000 million metric tons of carbon every year. Humans are responsible for moving almost the same amount every year as well. My direct impact in the Carbon Cycle derives from the burning of fossil fuel. In the State where I live, 85% of the electricity used comes from burning coal. Every time I turn a light on or leave my computer on for hours without using it, I am directly impacting the Carbon Cycle. I also drive to work every day of the week and my commute is rather long. The more time driving, the more carbon I am releasing in the environment. (Indiana State Energy Profile, 2015) …show more content…
Realistically, my personal changes will probably not make much difference to the big picture, but if everyone thinks that way, we will definitely never impact the Carbon Cycle positively. My goal needs to be proactive at my home and at my work and then educate and enable others to make changes in their lives as
Human emissions are responsible for a great influence on the Fast Carbon Cycle. Humans increase the Carbon emissions by burning fossil fuel and deforestation. I use electricity, I drive my car, and I heat my house in the cold months – all actions that increase emissions of Carbon in the atmosphere. The Fast Carbon Cycle moves around 1,000 to 100,000 million metric tons of carbon every year. Humans are responsible for moving almost the same amount every year as well. My direct impact in the Carbon Cycle derives from the burning of fossil fuel. In the State where I live, 85% of the electricity used comes from burning coal. Every time I turn a light on or leave my computer on for hours without using it, I am directly impacting the Carbon Cycle. I also drive to work every day of the week and my commute is rather long. The more time driving, the more carbon I am releasing in the environment. (Indiana State Energy Profile, 2015) …show more content…
Realistically, my personal changes will probably not make much difference to the big picture, but if everyone thinks that way, we will definitely never impact the Carbon Cycle positively. My goal needs to be proactive at my home and at my work and then educate and enable others to make changes in their lives as