5
Computare
The “Natural” Carbon Cycle
IPCC Science 2001, Figure 3.1
This figure, also from the IPCC indicates that earth’s land based plants absorb about 120 billion tonnes of carbon. About the same amount is returned by the process of respiration of plants and animals. The oceans absorb and release about 90 billion tonnes.
I note that this part of the cycle is deemed to be “natural” and ask you to hold that thought for a few minutes.