Page 39 - “GREENING” THE CONTENT IN CXC® SYLLABUSES

E-LEARNING MODULES AND LEARNING GUIDE FOR TEACHERS

Carbon Emissions and its Impact on Climate Change

The atmosphere comprises several gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. Carbon

dioxide, though found in small amounts, is vital for life.

Source: UCAR Centre for Science Education

Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere through natural processes and human activities.

These processes that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere include volcano eruptions,

decomposition, ocean release and respiration. Human activities such as cutting down trees
(deforestation) and burning fossil fuels are the primary cause of the increased carbon dioxide

emissions into the atmosphere. As a result, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration has been

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rising and has increased by 47% since the Industrial Revolution.
Fossil fuels, composed primarily of hydrocarbons, are converted into carbon dioxide and water
during a combustion reaction. Burning fossil fuels emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The

gasoline and diesel used in cars releases through the exhausts carbon dioxide into the

atmosphere. The build-up of carbon dioxide and other greenhouses gases such as methane and

nitrous oxide contribute to climate change.

18 https://climate.nasa.gov/causes/#:~:text=On%20Earth%2C%20human%20activities%20are,air%20to%20make%2
0CO2.

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