Where Does Carbon Come From?
Understanding the sources that add carbon to our atmosphere
Your Progress
Section 2 of 5Natural vs. Human Carbon Sources
Carbon enters the atmosphere through both natural processes and human activities. Natural sources have existed for billions of years and are balanced by natural sinks. Human sources, however, are disrupting this balance by adding carbon faster than it can be removed.
Natural Sources
Part of Earth's natural carbon cycle for billions of years
- • Volcanic activity
- • Ocean-atmosphere exchange
- • Plant and animal respiration
- • Organic decomposition
Human Sources
Recent additions disrupting the natural balance
- • Fossil fuel combustion
- • Deforestation
- • Industrial processes
- • Agriculture
Interactive Sources Comparison
Volcanic Activity
0.1 Gt C/yearOcean Release
90 Gt C/yearPlant/Animal Respiration
60 Gt C/yearOrganic Decomposition
60 Gt C/yearNatural Balance
Natural sources and sinks maintain a balanced carbon cycle, with ~150 Gt C exchanged annually.
The Key Difference
Natural sources are balanced by natural sinks, maintaining stable atmospheric CO₂ levels. Human sources exceed natural removal capacity, causing CO₂ accumulation and climate change.