phytoplankton

What Does Carbon Sink Mean?

Carbon makes for an essential component of most organic matter, from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to fossil fuels. However, too much carbon in the atmosphere is a threat to the Earth’s existence. Natural carbon sinks have been responsible for stabilizing the carbon level for years. From the early 1700s, human activity has increased the chemical in the oceans and atmosphere by over 30%. It was 275 parts per million (PPM) then, but today the value has risen to about 400 PPM.