By the end of this chapter you should be able to:

• Describe the importance of carbon and carbon compounds.

• Interpret diagrams illustrating the carbon cycle.

• Define fuels and classify them as either renewable or non-renewable.

• Describe the process of combustion.

• Write word and symbol equations for combustion reactions.

• Carry out a test to identify the products of a combustion reaction.

• Describe the "Greenhouse Effect".

• Outline the structure of the atmosphere.

• Discuss the possible effects of increasing CO2 levels in the atmosphere.

• Outline some of the possible effects of climate change in New Zealand.