Human impact on the carbon cycle: hydrocarbon fuel extraction and burning, farming practices, deforestation, land use changes
Humans release stored carbon into the atmosphere through activities like burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests. This disrupts the natural balance of the carbon cycle.
Real World
Indonesia lost 6.2 million hectares of primary forest between 2001 and 2019, largely for palm oil plantations, releasing an estimated 2.6 GtCO₂ — making the country one of the world's top five greenhouse gas emitters despite having a relatively small industrial base.
Exam Focus
Use named examples with dates and data for each human activity — generic statements like 'deforestation releases carbon' score lower than specific evidence.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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