Final answer:
Carbon emissions now exceed the amount that could be absorbed by sinks due to the destruction of natural carbon sinks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The burning of fossil fuels has increased the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere. Currently, about half of the CO₂ released from the burning of fossil fuels remains in the atmosphere, while the rest is absorbed by plants and dissolved by seawater. However, natural carbon sinks, such as forests and oceans, are being destroyed, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. This destruction of carbon sinks contributes to carbon emissions exceeding the amount that can be absorbed by these sinks.