In-Depth Notes on Climate Change and the Carbon Cycle

Climate Change Overview

• Windmills: Representation of renewable energy sources to combat climate change.
• Discussion Topics:
  • Film "Before the Flood" - its effectiveness in communicating climate change issues.
  • The carbon cycle and its components, including key processes.
  • Greenhouse gases and their impact on climate change.
  • Grading and participation requirements for the module.

Film Discussion: "Before the Flood"

• Key Questions:
  • Did the film effectively communicate climate change? Why or why not?
  • Specific techniques used in the film to convey messages.
  • Aspects of climate change related to justice and equity highlighted in the film.
  • Any notable omissions in topics, locations, or demographics addressed in the film.
  • Suggestions for additional scenes or content to enhance the film's message.

Introduction to Carbon

• Importance of Carbon:
  • Essential for plant respiration and integral for human growth (Carbon makes up about 18% of the human body).
  • Considered the backbone for many structural and chemical compounds in life.

Carbon Cycle Processes

• Key Terms to Understand:
  • Photosynthesis: Process by which plants convert CO2 and sunlight into oxygen and glucose.
  • Decomposition: Breakdown of organic matter, releasing CO2 back into the environment.
  • Respiration: Release of CO2 by organisms as they convert food into energy.
  • Combustion of Fossil Fuels: Human activity increasing atmospheric CO2 levels.
  • CO2 Absorption by Oceans: Oceans act as a carbon sink, impacting marine life.

Carbon Cycle Diagram Insights

• Major pools of carbon include:
  • Soil: 1500 Pg of carbon; includes decomposed plant and microbial matter.
  • Atmosphere: Storing 750 Pg of CO2.
  • Oceans: Approximately 38,000 Pg; CO2 is absorbed here, leading to ocean acidification.
  • Fossil Fuels: Major sources of released carbon; estimate of 3456 Pg in coal, natural gas, and oil.

Human Impact on Carbon Cycle

• Historical CO2 levels: 0.029% in the 1700s to 0.04% currently; projected to rise to 0.06% by 2100.
• Feedback Effects:
  • Increased ocean CO2 levels enhance warming, subsequently affecting marine ecosystems.

Greenhouse Gases

• Key Gases and Their Increases:
  • CO2: Preindustrial concentration at 288 ppm versus 401 ppm today.
  • Methane: From 324 ppb to 848 ppb.
• Importance of these gases is minor by proportion but significant in their impact.

The Greenhouse Effect

• Natural process where greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.
• Without greenhouse gases, Earth's temperature would be as cold as the moon (approx. -243 °F) or as hot as Venus (approx. 864 °F).

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

• Caused by human activities, leading to:
  • Increased CO2 levels from burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
  • Changes in global temperature patterns, with significant environmental implications.

Global Temperature Trends

• Observations include:
  • 1.6°C rise in global temperatures from 1850-2023, marking the hottest January in recorded history in 2025.
  • Notable extremes in weather patterns and disruptions caused due to warming.

Sea Level Rise

• Historical data shows:
  • Sea levels in NYC have risen by about 12 inches since 1900, projected to rise as much as 5.4 feet by 2100.

Impact of Climate Change on Weather Patterns

• Increased moisture in air has led to:
  • Intense rainfall and severe droughts due to atmospheric changes.
  • Extreme precipitation events contrasted with prolonged dry spells affecting crop yields.

Social Implications of Climate Change

• Projected Displacement:
  • Approximately 250 million people could be displaced worldwide by 2050 due to climate changes.
• Economic burdens expected to increase prices for essential crops by about 50%.

Future of Climate Justice

• Emphasis on inclusivity in decision-making to ensure equitable wealth distribution and address climate impacts.
• Focus on alternative policies requiring diversity in movement and advocacy efforts.