To what extent does an understanding of feedback systems in the carbon cycle help with attempts to mitigate the impacts of climate change? (20 marks)
A positive feedback loop in the system is then exacerbated by the system, hence the system deviates further away from its original position. Is this positive feedback loop that is exacerbating the impacts of climate change.
One way this is done is the increased C O2 emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels for energy production, which accounts for approximately 80% of all anthropogenic emissions. Therefore, a global impact of the increased burning of fossil fuels is an increase in global temperatures which will lead to an increase in the melting of polar ice caps and tundra. Therefore, releasing any stored carbon into the atmosphere, leading to increased warming of the planet. And increasing the magnitude of freshwater in global oceans has led to a eustatic sea level rise of three millimetres a year and directly affecting human life, like Kiribati who is expecting to be fully evacuated by 2050.
therefore, since we understand this positive feedback loop, which helps in understanding that we need to reduce our carbon footprint, in order to slow down the warming of the earth. However, this is a global impact, hence we need global solutions to reduce our carbon emissions. Therefore, this increases the significance of climate organisations like the COP 26 meeting in Glasgow this year. Although, as the meeting has shown us, some of the largest contributors like China and India are reluctant into ratifying agreements that reduces carbon emissions because it’s a detriment to the economic growth and subsequent development.
Another feedback system on a local scale is reforestation an afforestation programme. This is when both existing and previously forested areas become forests again increasing the size of the vegetation cover. Therefore, will lead to an increase in the sequestration of carbon via photosynthesis. This reduces the magnitude of carbon in the atmosphere, creating a negative feedback loop. For example, in 2020, a charity called team trees launched their campaign effort to plant 20 million trees, a reforestation programme.
These local projects are more attainable and realistic because people tend to care about their contribution to the climate, when it affects them. Therefore, the understanding of reducing our demand for fossil fuel energy production an increase in the magnitude of terrestrial plants have led to successful attempts to reduce the impacts of climate change.
Overall, our understanding of the feedback systems does help us to a great extent as to what our mitigation attempts need to focus on like reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. However, whether these attempts are actually realised will rely on countries coming together.