Climate Science in a Nutshell: Where Does Carbon Dioxide Come From?

Planet Nutshell, Utah Education Network

This short video discusses where carbon dioxide, the gas that is mainly responsible for warming up our planet and changing the climate, comes from. It discusses how the rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide comes directly from the burning of fossil fuels and indirectly from the human need for energy.

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Notes from our reviewers

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This video provides a short overview of sources of atmospheric carbon dioxide. It needs to be supplemented by more thorough materials and activities. Best used in conjunction with the other 10 short videos in the series.
Video uses a very simplified graphic of the greenhouse effect that does not really explain it. Addresses carbon dioxide but not other greenhouse gases. The claims made in this video are not supported by references in the video or on its webpage. However, this information is generally consistent with accepted science. The video perpetuates a persistent misconception that fossil fuels are made of dinosaur fossils. This is shown in the cartoon but not explicitly stated. The video says that atmospheric carbon dioxide is 392 ppm, but it is now over 400 ppm. The video states that most electricity is generated from coal, but that has been changing in favor of natural gas. The video gives a rosy projection of how we can lower the concentration of CO2 to 350 ppm. This is somewhat misleading, given the rising emissions and the long residence time of CO2 in the atmosphere. Comments from expert scientist: It is presented in a simple way and visually really well prepared, but it is missing references to scientific work/literature.