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Carbon has been clobbered in the headlines lately for its link to global warming and pollution. But is this much-maligned element—the fourth most abundant in the universe—getting a bum rap?

There's no question that carbon when paired with fellow element oxygen can spell trouble. The combo creates carbon dioxide (CO2), the root of climate change, the most destructive environmental woe facing our planet. But carbon is not inherently evil. In fact, it is a building block of life, present in all living creatures. In our daily lives we often see it in its pure form–think diamonds or lead in pencils. And it is a key ingredient in oil (made from hydrocarbons), certain types of surfboards, and even carbohydrates like bread and pasta, which provide energy for humans and animals. 

So how did carbon get such a bad rep?

It's where—and in what quantities—carbon ends up that causes trouble. Over time, our daily activity on Earth has broken the carbon cycle.   When we burn fossil fuels (from the fossils of dead plants and animals) to run our cars, light our homes or make Tupperware, we release CO2 into the atmosphere.  Normally, plants take back that CO2 via photosynthesis (the process by which plants turn sunlight into energy). Carbon dioxide can also be absorbed by the oceans. But as more CO2 is pumped out, more is accumulating in the atmosphere than the plants and oceans can take back. And too much CO2 traps heat, like a blanket covering Earth, causing the globe to warm up.

To learn more about this multi-faceted element, check out part one of our Web video series, Instant Egghead: Carbon, below.

5 Comments

1. 1. Galej 10:26 AM 10/25/08

   Scientific American and Editor David Biello are completely sold on the carbon-dioxide climate change connection. However, although the UN have gathered a host of climatologists who support this, many other, equally worthy scientists, consider that increasing CO2 has been responsible for only a few percent of the rise in world temperature (itself less than 1 C in the last century). There are many factors which affect climate. Emphasis on just one, will divert resources from alternative solutions to the problem and from dealing with the numerous negative human effects on the biosphere. Your readers expect a more balanced review by Sc.Amer.

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2. 2. bigbrit 05:04 AM 10/27/08

   I'm no scientist, but Galej, "equally worthy scientists" that the UNITED NATIONS ignored are worried that "Emphasis on just one (cause), will divert resources from alternative solutions to the problem and from dealing with the numerous negative human effects on the biosphere".
   
   Well, I have another theory about what is causing global warming, can I get some resources? My theory is also another "negative human effect on the biosphere" So send cash now.
   

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3. 3. frgough 09:02 AM 10/27/08

   Unreal. A nutrient required for plant life is now the greatest threat facing the planet. This magazine should change its name to PSA (Pseudo-Scientific American).

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4. 4. herbo21k 12:17 PM 10/28/08

   This "article" is so poorly written and contains so little information that it is practically useless. Carbon equals "lead in pencils"? who is responsible for such drivia? (drivel+trivia). Did they not ever learn the word graphite?How many people "see" pure carbon as diamonds day to day and can therefore reach an educated conclusion as to what carbon is and does, which is far, far more than combining with O2. This entire section of your webpage needs complete overhaul. Just what is the point of it, anyway?

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5. 5. eco-steve 07:57 PM 11/4/08

   If you do not agree with the conclusions of the IPCC on climate change being caused by CO2, send a copy of your alternative hypotheses to them!

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