Carbon sequestration

Definition

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to mitigate the effects of climate change. This process plays a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and can involve natural methods like forestry and soil management, or technological approaches such as carbon capture and storage (CCS). By effectively sequestering carbon, we can reduce radiative forcing, which is the change in energy balance in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a decrease in global warming and its associated impacts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carbon sequestration can occur through biological processes, such as photosynthesis in plants, where CO2 is absorbed and stored in biomass.
2. Soils can act as significant carbon sinks, with practices like no-till farming enhancing their ability to store carbon over long periods.
3. Geological carbon sequestration involves injecting captured CO2 into deep underground rock formations for long-term storage.
4. Oceanic carbon sequestration occurs when CO2 is absorbed by ocean waters and utilized by marine organisms, impacting deep ocean circulation patterns.
5. Effective carbon sequestration strategies are essential for achieving international climate targets, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Review Questions

• How does carbon sequestration help in mitigating climate change, particularly regarding greenhouse gas emissions?
  • Carbon sequestration helps mitigate climate change by capturing atmospheric CO2, which is a significant greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. By reducing the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, this process lowers radiative forcing, ultimately helping to stabilize global temperatures. The effective implementation of carbon sequestration techniques can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from various sources, making it a vital strategy in combating climate change.
• Discuss the different methods of carbon sequestration and their implications for deep ocean circulation patterns.
  • There are various methods of carbon sequestration including biological sequestration through forests and soils, as well as technological approaches like CCS. When CO2 is absorbed by oceans, it can influence deep ocean circulation patterns due to changes in water density and chemistry. The increased acidity from absorbed CO2 affects marine life and may disrupt nutrient cycles essential for maintaining the health of ocean ecosystems, which further influences global climate patterns.
• Evaluate the role of both natural and technological carbon sequestration in achieving climate goals and their potential environmental impacts.
  • Natural carbon sequestration through ecosystems like forests and wetlands plays a critical role in capturing atmospheric CO2 while also providing ecological benefits such as biodiversity enhancement and soil health improvement. Technological methods like CCS can effectively capture emissions from industrial processes but pose risks related to potential leaks or environmental degradation. Balancing these approaches is key to meeting climate goals effectively while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Both methods need to be integrated into comprehensive climate strategies to ensure a sustainable future.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gas: Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, including CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Radiative Forcing: The difference between the amount of solar energy absorbed by the Earth and the energy radiated back to space, influencing global temperatures.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): A technological approach that involves capturing CO2 emissions from sources like power plants and storing it underground to prevent it from entering the atmosphere.