# Understanding Human Carbon Emissions Compared to Volcanoes
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Chapter 1: The Scale of Human Emissions
Recent studies reveal that human actions contribute over 37 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide annually, a staggering figure that is approximately 100 times greater than the total emissions from all volcanoes on Earth. Conducted by the Deep Carbon Observatory—a collaborative effort involving 500 international researchers—this comprehensive study was published in the journal Elements. It delves into how carbon dioxide, a significant greenhouse gas driving global warming, is generated, stored, and cycled back into the environment through both natural and anthropogenic processes.
This extensive research, spanning nearly a decade, highlighted that emissions from human activities vastly overshadow those from volcanic eruptions, traditionally seen as a major source of climate change. Remarkably, the study found that a mere 0.2% of the Earth's total carbon—around 43,500 gigatonnes—exists above the oceans, land, and atmosphere, while the majority (1.85 billion gigatonnes) is locked away in the Earth's crust, mantle, and core.
Section 1.1: Insights from Carbon Isotope Research
Researchers investigated key carbon isotopes from rock samples globally, providing essential insights into the planet's formation over billions of years. This data facilitated a timeline spanning 500 million years, illustrating the movement of carbon among the crust, oceans, and atmosphere. They discovered that Earth has maintained stable atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, except during catastrophic events like significant volcanic eruptions or the meteor impact that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs.
For instance, the meteor impact that created the Chicxulub crater 66 million years ago released between 425 and 1,400 gigatonnes of CO2.
Section 1.2: Impacts of Carbon Emissions on Climate
Marie Edmonds from the University of Cambridge noted, “Historically, significant carbon influx into the atmosphere has resulted in global warming and substantial shifts in ocean chemistry and oxygen levels.” The research also indicated that human-induced carbon dioxide emissions in a single year—specifically in 2018—amounted to about 37 gigatonnes.
“The carbon released by human activities over the last decade is comparable to the drastic changes observed in our planet’s history,” Edmonds explained to AFP (Agence France-Presse). In contrast, volcanic emissions contribute only about 0.3 to 0.4 gigatonnes annually, roughly 100 times less than those generated by human activities. “Some climate change skeptics argue that volcanoes are significant contributors to CO2 emissions, but this is misleading,” Edmonds asserted.
Chapter 2: The Long-Term Perspective
In light of the historical context, while Earth has experienced higher carbon dioxide levels in the past, it took vast stretches of time for volcanic eruptions to achieve such concentrations. In stark contrast, anthropogenic emissions have escalated CO2 levels by two-thirds within just a few centuries. “Climate skeptics often claim that the Earth is naturally rebalancing,” concluded Celina Suarez from the University of Arkansas. “While it is true that it will rebalance, the timescale is not significant for human existence.”
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The second video titled "Do volcanoes produce more CO2 than human activity? -- a look at Ian Plimer's claim" explores the validity of claims surrounding volcanic emissions versus human contributions to carbon dioxide levels.