BBC Inside Science Are our carbon sinks failing?
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Nov 14, 2024 Mark Maslin, a climate scientist from University College London, dives into the alarming collapse of Earth's natural carbon sinks, crucial for absorbing half of our pollution. He discusses the dire need for reforestation and enhancing these ecosystems amidst a climate crisis fueled by greenhouse gas emissions. Alongside this, the podcast touches on a controversial Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to AI researchers and explores the fascinating impact of gaming on cognitive skills versus traditional exercise.
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Failing Carbon Sinks
- Earth's natural carbon sinks, like oceans and forests, absorb half of our carbon dioxide pollution.
- New research suggests these sinks might be failing, impacting our climate goals.
Impact of Extreme Weather
- The land biosphere absorbs CO2 during spring but extreme weather events like wildfires and droughts release stored carbon.
- Last year, these releases offset the absorbed carbon, raising concerns about the future.
Not a Tipping Point (Yet)
- This isn't a tipping point because actions like reforestation can mitigate it.
- Reducing carbon emissions and restoring ecosystems are crucial for managing climate change.