Carbon is currently being released into the atmosphere by fossil-fuel burning.Why does this release of carbon cause global warming, when carbon released by organism respiration does not? A) Unlike respiratory CO₂, it is being released faster than oceans or organisms can absorb it. B) It is a stronger greenhouse gas because it has been buried for millions of years. C) It is a different form of carbon than is currently present in the atmosphere. D) Unlike respiratory CO₂, it is released throughout the year instead of seasonally. E) It is being burned by humans, who do not use safeguards as other animals do.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The release of carbon from fossil fuels is causing global warming because it is being released at a rate faster than it can be absorbed by natural sinks like oceans and organisms, leading to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, which enhances the greenhouse effect.

Carbon Is Currently Being Released into the Atmosphere by Fossil-Fuel