Carbon sequestration

Definition

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to mitigate climate change and its impacts. This process can occur naturally through biological mechanisms, such as photosynthesis in plants and soil organic matter formation, or through engineered solutions that involve capturing CO2 from industrial sources and storing it underground. Carbon sequestration plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and influences climate change by reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carbon sequestration can occur in terrestrial systems, such as forests and soils, as well as in aquatic systems like oceans, where phytoplankton absorb CO2 through photosynthesis.
2. Soil organic matter is an important component of carbon sequestration, as it stores large amounts of carbon derived from decomposed plant and animal materials.
3. Engineered carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies can capture up to 90% of CO2 emissions from power plants and industrial sources, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Increasing land management practices, like afforestation and reforestation, enhances natural carbon sequestration by expanding areas where carbon can be stored in biomass and soil.
5. The effectiveness of carbon sequestration is influenced by various factors including land use changes, soil health, plant species composition, and climatic conditions.

Review Questions

• How does carbon sequestration impact the global carbon cycle?
  • Carbon sequestration is vital for the global carbon cycle because it helps to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it in various reservoirs like forests, soils, and oceans. By capturing carbon through processes like photosynthesis and soil organic matter formation, ecosystems act as natural sinks that balance the carbon released through human activities. This balance is crucial for mitigating climate change and maintaining environmental stability.
• Evaluate the role of soil organic matter in enhancing carbon sequestration practices.
  • Soil organic matter plays a critical role in enhancing carbon sequestration by acting as a reservoir for stored carbon. As organic materials decompose in the soil, they contribute to the formation of stable compounds that retain carbon for long periods. Practices such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, and organic amendments increase soil organic matter content, thus improving the soil's capacity to sequester additional carbon over time.
• Discuss the potential implications of large-scale carbon capture technologies on climate policy and environmental sustainability.
  • Large-scale carbon capture technologies have significant implications for climate policy as they offer a means to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sources. However, reliance on these technologies can lead to complacency regarding emissions reductions from other sectors. Additionally, if not managed properly, large-scale CCS could pose risks to environmental sustainability by potentially disrupting local ecosystems or groundwater supplies. Therefore, integrating these technologies into a broader strategy that emphasizes renewable energy and sustainable practices is essential for achieving long-term climate goals.

Related terms

photosynthesis: The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll, converting CO2 into organic compounds.

carbon sink: A natural or artificial reservoir that absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it releases, thus helping to reduce overall CO2 levels.

biomass: The total mass of living matter in a given area, often used as a source of energy, and plays a significant role in carbon sequestration as it stores carbon in plant material.