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The carbon cycle is the process by which
atoms of carbon are circulated
within the Earth's biosphere.
Carbon moves between the atmosphere,
the oceans, and the layers of the planet's surface.
Prior to the Industrial Age, the flux
of carbon between these natural reservoirs
was balanced. However,
in the last several hundred years,
humankind has been tipping the balance
of the Earth's natural carbon cycle.
The burning of fossil fuels for energy generation
is a main contributor to this imbalance.
Each year, human activities
release approximately six billion tons
of carbon into the atmosphere,
and this number is rising.
The carbon cycle is a closed system,
and the accumulation of carbon compounds
in the atmosphere
is contributing to global climate change.
Through the Carbon Cycle 2.0 Initiative,
researchers from the Berkeley Lab and
the Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute
are learning from nature to develop strategies
that will enable us to produce enough energy
for our needs, while restoring the natural
balance of carbon on the planet.