Earth would not be what it is without its biosphere, its living organisms and their environment. Living things influence the atmosphere by “inhaling” and “exhaling” carbon dioxide and oxygen. They pull water from the soil and the air, and they help put it back again by exhaling water vapor and aerating the soil so rain can soak in. They regulate the ocean by taking carbon out of the atmosphere. The buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from burning fossil fuel is the primary cause of global warming. The biosphere has been helping to offset some of this excess carbon dioxide. January 1–December 31, 2008.