L42- MT2 Global Environmental Issue Project (GEI Project)Document Outline and Directions NGSS Standards: HS-LS2-5 HS-ESS-2-6, HS-ESS-3-6 LLLS-GS1-2, LLLS-CS2-1 PART 1: Carbon Emission Research-write down answer on the space provided. Research about Global Carbon Emissions and list 2 facts about your findings. PART 2: Global environmental issues that relate to increased carbon emissions. Research what are some causes of global warming and briefly explain each in at least 2 sentences. PART 3: Environmental Issue of Focus. Choose one environmental issue from the topics provided and answer the following questions on the space provided. __ 1. What is causing the problem? 2. Is this problem connected to increased carbon emissions?How? 3. Why does this problem matter? Why should we care about'it? 4. Think about earth's spheres that you learned about.How would this problem affect the organism in each sphere? 5. What are the negative effects of this problem?

**PART 1: Carbon Emission Research**<br /><br />1. **Fact 1:** Global carbon emissions have been steadily increasing over the past few decades, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production and transportation.<br /><br />2. **Fact 2:** Deforestation is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, as trees that absorb carbon dioxide are removed, reducing the planet's capacity to sequester carbon and leading to increased atmospheric CO2 levels.<br /><br />**PART 2: Global Environmental Issues Related to Increased Carbon Emissions**<br /><br />1. **Burning Fossil Fuels:** The combustion of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation is the largest single source of global greenhouse gas emissions. This process releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, which traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to global warming.<br /><br />2. **Deforestation:** Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When forests are cleared or burned, not only is this carbon-absorbing capacity reduced, but the stored carbon in trees is also released back into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.<br /><br />**PART 3: Environmental Issue of Focus**<br /><br />*Example Topic: Ocean Acidification*<br /><br />1. **What is causing the problem?**<br /> Ocean acidification is primarily caused by the absorption of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide by the world's oceans. As CO2 dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the water.<br /><br />2. **Is this problem connected to increased carbon emissions? How?**<br /> Yes, ocean acidification is directly linked to increased carbon emissions. The more CO2 that is emitted into the atmosphere, the more is absorbed by the oceans, leading to greater acidification.<br /><br />3. **Why does this problem matter? Why should we care about it?**<br /> Ocean acidification poses a threat to marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as corals, mollusks, and some plankton species. These organisms are vital to marine ecosystems and food webs, and their decline can have cascading effects on biodiversity and human industries like fisheries.<br /><br />4. **How would this problem affect the organism in each sphere?**<br /> - **Biosphere:** Marine organisms, especially those relying on calcium carbonate, will struggle to survive, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem health.<br /> - **Hydrosphere:** Changes in ocean chemistry can alter nutrient cycles and impact water quality.<br /> - **Atmosphere:** While ocean acidification itself doesn't directly affect the atmosphere, the processes contributing to it (like CO2 emissions) do.<br /> - **Geosphere:** Over time, changes in ocean chemistry could affect sediment composition and geological processes related to marine environments.<br /><br />5. **What are the negative effects of this problem?**<br /> Ocean acidification can lead to weakened coral reefs, loss of biodiversity, disrupted food chains, and economic impacts on fisheries and tourism. It also threatens the livelihoods of communities dependent on marine resources.