Earth911 Quiz #94: Climate Change, Trees, and Carbon Sequestration
The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s sixth report on the state of the global climate raises a red flag for humanity and provides a range of solutions to reducing the levels of CO2 in Earth’s atmosphere. In this Earth911 Quiz, you’ll test your basic understanding of climate change, several ways we can capture and store carbon, and the time frame in which we can expect to see positive changes in the environment from the efforts we make today.
How much human-generated CO2 is emitted into the Earth’s atmosphere annually?
Since the dawn of human civilization, humans have been contributing CO2 to the atmosphere, but it was only with the advent of industrialization in the late 18th century that CO2 levels have accelerated rapidly. Now, humans produce more CO2 and other environmental impacts than the planet can process — since 1970, people have exhausted Earth’s capacity to remove CO2 earlier every year. How many gigatons (a billion tons) of CO2 do people pump into the environment annually compared to pre-industrial times?
How much has the Earth’s average temperature risen since the beginning of modern industrial society?
There is a proven direct correlation between atmospheric CO2 levels and global average temperatures. While some parts of the globe, particularly the Arctic, are warming faster than the rest of the planet because CO2 traps solar energy, which is then absorbed by the oceans which acts like a thermal battery that will continue to heat the planet more, the global average temperature has climbed alarmingly. How much warmer is average temperature than in 1850?
How much CO2 can one trillion trees capture and store in a year?
Planting trees to capture and sequester CO2 is one of several important responses to climate change that can be put in place. A single mature tree can capture up to 48 lbs. of carbon dioxide annually, though the actual amount will vary based on the type of tree, the local climate, and other factors. If humans plant 1 trillion trees, how many tons of CO2 would this new forest capture annually, and how long would it take to remove the current carbon overload in the atmosphere?
What are three alternative sources of carbon sequestration that can supplement tree-planting efforts?
By combining tree-planting with other forms of carbon capture and sequestration, humans can make significant headway in reducing the impact of climate change before 2100. After reducing emissions as a first step and planting trees, what are three other approaches to carbon removal and long-term storage that could make a difference?
