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Deep Dive: Why CO₂ is Increasing

Part of Carbon Cycle — GCSE Biology

This deep dive covers Deep Dive: Why CO₂ is Increasing within Carbon Cycle for GCSE Biology. Topic 3: Carbon Cycle It is section 5 of 12 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 5 of 12

Practice

15 questions

Recall

20 flashcards

🔬 Deep Dive: Why CO₂ is Increasing

Atmospheric CO₂ has increased by 50% since pre-industrial times (280 → 420 ppm). Why?

  • Burning fossil fuels — releases carbon stored for millions of years
  • Deforestation — fewer trees to absorb CO₂ + burning releases more
  • Draining peat bogs — exposes peat to oxygen, speeding decomposition

This extra CO₂ strengthens the greenhouse effect → global warming → climate change!

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Carbon Cycle. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Key FactsHow It Works: How Carbon Moves Between the Atmosphere, Organisms, and Fossil FuelsCarbon's Endless JourneyThe Four Main Processes

Practice Questions for Carbon Cycle

Which process removes CO₂ from the atmosphere?

  • A. Respiration
  • B. Photosynthesis
  • C. Combustion
  • D. Decomposition
1 markfoundation

Explain how decomposers return carbon to the atmosphere.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

How does fire affect the carbon cycle?
Releases stored carbon through decomposition and oxidation of organic matter
What is the primary source of atmospheric CO2?
Plants through photosynthesis and respiration

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How It Works: How Carbon Moves Between the Atmosphere, Organisms, and Fossil Fuels