Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0134074254
ISBN 13: 978-0-13407-425-2

Chapter 23 - Give It Some Thought - Page 731: 1

Answer

Using wood as a fuel does not contribute significantly to global warming because the carbon released during wood combustion is part of the natural carbon cycle. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during their growth through photosynthesis. When wood is burned as fuel, the carbon dioxide released is roughly equal to the amount that the trees absorbed during their lifetime. This carbon exchange is considered carbon-neutral, as it does not add new carbon to the atmosphere. In contrast, using coal as a fuel releases fossilized carbon that has been sequestered in the Earth for millions of years, contributing to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide and global warming.

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