Energy, Fossil Fuels, and the Carbon Cycle

Module 2: Greenhouse Gases

What You Will Learn

You will learn how energy is released from fossil fuels.

You will learn about the carbon cycle.

You will learn how the burning of fossil fuels impacts the environment.

You will investigate ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Source: IPCC. Unit: billions of tons of carbon

The Carbon Cycle

Source: NOAA

Carbon Dioxide Levels

Carbon Dioxide Levels at the Mauna Loa Observatory

Source: Mauna Loa Observatory

History of Energy U.S. Use

Source: EIA

Changes in fossil fuel (petroleum, natural gas, coal) use over time

Increase trends in petroleum usage