Carbon conservation

Question 1

why is using plant-based products better than oil-based

Answer 1

• oil reserves will eventually run out
• burning oil-based fossil fuels releases C02 into the atmosphere (contributing to global warming)
• plastics generate non-biodegradable waste creating waste disposal problems

Question 2

benefits of plant-based products

Answer 2

although burning vegetable oils also release C02 this C02 was only recently removed by photosynthesis there for the oil is carbon neutral

Question 3

3 difficulties with using plant-based products rather than oil-based?

Answer 3

1. biofuel crops would be gown instead of food crops which effects food demand and wildlife habitats
2. some plant alternatives do not have the same desirable qualities as the oil-based products
3. may require energy in transportation

Question 4

why are fossil fuels carbon sinks?

Answer 4

• if a plant or animal is deposited in anaerobic conditions it wont decay as decomposers need aerobic condition to respire
• the carbon in the dead organism turns into a fossil fuel such as coal, oil or gas but the carbon is not naturally released so the fossil fuel acts as a carbon sink

Question 5

carbon sinks

Answer 5

a long term store of carbon where carbon is prevented from cycling around the carbon cycle