Processos geológicos de fixação de carbono na Terra e aquecimento global

Abstract

This article describes the natural processes of carbon capture and relates them to the global warming phenomenon. It focuses on the main geological processes of fixation of this element in Earth’s crust, discussing whether or not the Earth responds by itself to atmospheric increases of carbon dioxide, CO2. The aim of this paper is to assess whether or not it is possible for Earth itself to respond to increased concentrations of atmospheric CO2 released by human activities. There are uncertainties about the relative speeds of these mechanisms. Accordingly, we analyze critically the point of view of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which argues that anthropogenic-generated CO2 is one of the major causes of global warming. Finally, the paper highlights some criticisms to the IPCC position, showing that, despite some scientific institutions have a clear position about the phenomenon, it does not reach any consensus among researchers. The degree of environmental awareness of individuals and companies can stimulate the uptake of new knowledge and techniques that warn about the consequences of the current patterns of consumption, but the movement will be ineffective if they do not vigorously think, more and more, on Nature as a complex system, as provided by Earth Sciences.