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How does carbon dioxide get back into the atmosphere?

It is released by plants through the process of photosynthesis.

It is released by plants and animals through the process of cellular respiration.

1 answer

Carbon dioxide (CO2) gets back into the atmosphere primarily through the following processes:

  1. Cellular Respiration: Both plants and animals release CO2 into the atmosphere during cellular respiration. This process occurs when organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, producing CO2 and water as byproducts. While plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, they also perform cellular respiration, especially at night when photosynthesis cannot occur.

  2. Decomposition: When plants, animals, and other organisms die, decomposers such as bacteria and fungi break down their organic matter. This process releases CO2 back into the atmosphere as a byproduct of decomposition.

  3. Combustion of Fossil Fuels: Burning fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy releases significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. This is a major contributor to increased atmospheric CO2 levels.

  4. Natural Processes: Natural events such as volcanic eruptions can also release CO2 into the atmosphere.

  5. Ocean Release: Carbon dioxide absorbed by the oceans can be released back into the atmosphere, especially when ocean temperatures rise.

So, to clarify, while photosynthesis involves plants taking in CO2, it is cellular respiration (and other processes) that release CO2 back into the atmosphere.