Carbon Cycle and Climate

Carbon occurs in many forms on Earth. The element moves through living things, the air, water, and the ground. This continuous movement is known as the carbon cycle.

The short-term cycling of carbon begins with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Through photosynthesis, inorganic carbon from carbon dioxide combines with water and energy from sunlight. It is transformed into organic carbon in the form of glucose, while oxygen is released as a byproduct.

When animals or humans consume plants, they take in this carbon. Through a process called respiration, both plants and animals convert the organic carbon in glucose into energy, using oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide and water back into the atmosphere.

Photosynthesis and respiration are both processes that involve gas exchange. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. During respiration, plants and animals take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide.

This ongoing exchange between photosynthesis and respiration ensures that carbon continues to move through the ecosystem. As long as this cycle remains balanced, ecosystems stay healthy.