Carbon sequestration

Definition

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to mitigate climate change. This process can occur naturally through biological means, such as in forests and soil, or through human-engineered methods like carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. By reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, carbon sequestration plays a crucial role in addressing the increase of greenhouse gases and their impacts on global warming.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carbon sequestration can help offset emissions from industrial activities, making it a vital tool in climate change mitigation strategies.
2. Forests are significant natural carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of CO2 through photosynthesis and storing carbon in biomass and soil.
3. Soil management practices, like no-till farming and cover cropping, enhance carbon sequestration by increasing organic matter and improving soil health.
4. Engineered approaches to carbon sequestration involve capturing CO2 from emission sources and transporting it to geological formations for long-term storage.
5. Effective carbon sequestration can help achieve international climate targets, such as those set by the Paris Agreement, aimed at limiting global temperature rise.

Review Questions

• How does carbon sequestration contribute to mitigating climate change?
  • Carbon sequestration reduces the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, directly addressing one of the main contributors to climate change. By capturing CO2 emissions from various sources and storing it safely, this process helps to lower greenhouse gas levels, which can prevent further warming. Additionally, enhancing natural carbon sinks like forests and soils supports biodiversity and ecosystem health while also providing resilience against climate impacts.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of natural versus engineered carbon sequestration methods in combating greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Natural carbon sequestration methods, such as afforestation and improved soil management, provide ecological benefits and are cost-effective over time. However, their capacity can be limited by land availability and changes in land use. On the other hand, engineered solutions like CCS can capture large amounts of CO2 from specific sources but involve higher costs and technical challenges related to storage safety. A balanced approach incorporating both methods is often necessary for achieving significant reductions in atmospheric CO2 levels.
• Assess the potential long-term implications of widespread carbon sequestration on global ecosystems and human societies.
  • Widespread carbon sequestration could have profound implications for both ecosystems and human societies. On one hand, enhancing natural systems for carbon storage can improve soil health, increase agricultural productivity, and preserve biodiversity. However, if not managed properly, large-scale projects could lead to land-use conflicts or ecological disruption. Additionally, relying heavily on engineered solutions might divert attention from reducing emissions at source. Therefore, careful planning and integration with broader climate strategies are essential to maximize benefits while minimizing negative impacts.

Related terms

Greenhouse gases: Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS): A technology that captures CO2 emissions produced from the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation and stores it underground to prevent it from entering the atmosphere.

Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.