6.3 - A balanced carbon cycle

• The greenhouse effect


  • The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth's surface
  • When the Sun's energy reaches the Earth's atmosphere, some of it is reflected back to space and some is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases
• Enhanced greenhouse effect


  The increase in the natural greenhouse effect, said to be caused by human activities that increase the Earth's atmospheric carbon store
• Healthy soils


  • Dark
  • Crumbly
  • Porous
  • Contain small organisms
  • Provide air, water and nutrients
  • Sequester carbon