Mini-Project #2

The Carbon Cycle is defined as the biochemical cycle in which carbon is exchanged through the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere of the Earth. Above is a simplified diagram of how the carbon is exchanged and how the carbon cycle works as a whole.

Carbon is abundant in ocean and sedimentary rock. As soon as the carbon reaches the water, it precipitates and forms calcium carbonate. Through this process corals and algae build up limestone reefs. The built up reefs give creatures a suitable environment for which they live in. Also this gives way for future respiration allowing future exchanges for carbon.

Through photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates which either liberated into the atmosphere or is consumed by animals or decomposed into the soil for future exchanges.

The impact that humans have on the carbon cycle is that humans simply just throw off the entire cycle. By burning fossil fuels, humans release far more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere then the environment naturally releases. This means more demand for plants to convert through photosynthesis. When the demand is not satisfied, there is excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which allows more energy from the sun to reach Earth, but a reduction in how much is released back into space, thus causing global warming.

Jaitegh Singh

Mini-Project #1:

The evironmental organization that I would wish to join is Greenpeace.

Greenpeace was first organized in 1971 in order to go against nuclear testing that was being conducted by the United States in Alaska. The organization was located in Vancouver, Canada. It later segwayed into dealing on environmental issues from across the world. Now Greenpeace is located in over 42 countries across the world is is one of the leading organizations that deal with environmental issues.

Greenpeace's mission official mission statement is as follows:
Greenpeace is a global campaigning organization that acts to change attitudes and behavior, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace by:
Catalyzing an energy revolution to address the number one threat facing our planet: climate change. Defending our oceans by challenging wasteful and destructive fishing, and creating a global network of marine reserves. Protecting the world’s remaining ancient forests and the animal, plants and people that depend on them. Working for disarmament and peace by reducing dependence on finite resources and calling for the elimination of all nuclear weapons. Creating a toxic free future with safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals in today's products and manufacturing. Supporting sustainable agriculture by encouraging socially and ecologically responsible farming practices.

The reasons I chose this particular organization is mostly because of their ability in the past to create awareness regarding serious environmental issues. One cause that I have so passionatly faught for is the preservation of our planet. Sadly enough it is deteriorating as we speak, therefoe we must take action in order to not prolong such deterioration. Greenpeace has done a phenominal job in the past and I do believe they will continue to have success and thus help save planet earth.

Jaitegh Singh