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 systems, like forests and oceans, or be engineered through technological methods, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) in industrial processes. The ultimate goal is to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, which is crucial in addressing global warming and its adverse effects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural carbon sequestration processes include photosynthesis, where plants absorb CO2 and store carbon in their biomass and soil.
2. Technological methods of carbon sequestration involve capturing CO2 emissions from sources like power plants and storing it underground in geological formations.
3. Forests play a significant role in carbon sequestration, with mature forests storing large amounts of carbon in their trees and soil.
4. Oceanic carbon sequestration occurs when CO2 is absorbed by the ocean's surface and utilized by marine life for photosynthesis, particularly by phytoplankton.
5. Enhancing carbon sequestration through sustainable land management practices can help combat climate change while promoting biodiversity.

Review Questions

• How does carbon sequestration function as a method to mitigate climate change?
  • Carbon sequestration works by capturing atmospheric CO2 and storing it to prevent it from contributing to global warming. By reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, this process helps to alleviate some of the impacts of climate change. Both natural and technological methods are important; for instance, forests naturally absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, while engineered solutions like carbon capture technologies aim to reduce emissions at their source.
• Discuss the significance of forests in the process of carbon sequestration and their role in global environmental challenges.
  • Forests are vital for carbon sequestration as they absorb large quantities of CO2 during photosynthesis, storing carbon in both trees and soil. The preservation and expansion of forested areas are essential to combatting global environmental challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. Deforestation, on the other hand, reduces this natural absorption capacity, exacerbating climate change by releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere. Thus, managing forest resources sustainably is crucial for effective carbon sequestration.
• Evaluate the potential long-term impacts of implementing widespread carbon sequestration techniques on global climate policy and environmental sustainability.
  • Widespread implementation of carbon sequestration techniques could significantly influence global climate policy by enabling countries to meet their greenhouse gas reduction targets more effectively. If successful, these techniques might foster greater reliance on renewable energy sources while facilitating a transition to a low-carbon economy. However, concerns about land use changes, potential leakage from storage sites, and reliance on technological fixes rather than comprehensive emission reductions could raise debates about sustainability and equity in environmental strategies.

Related terms

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

deforestation: The large-scale removal of trees from forested areas, which reduces the capacity of ecosystems to absorb CO2.

carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product, usually expressed in equivalent tons of CO2.