Carbon sequestration

Definition

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This process plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle, which involves the movement of carbon among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms, helping to regulate Earth's climate system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carbon sequestration can occur through both natural processes, like photosynthesis and soil formation, as well as through human-engineered solutions, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.
2. Forests and oceans are significant natural carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it in biomass and sediments.
3. The effectiveness of carbon sequestration depends on various factors, including the type of ecosystem, land management practices, and geological conditions for underground storage.
4. Some methods of carbon sequestration can also enhance soil fertility and improve agricultural productivity by increasing organic matter content.
5. Climate policies often include carbon sequestration strategies as part of broader efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by balancing emissions with removals from the atmosphere.

Review Questions

• How does carbon sequestration relate to the carbon cycle and its different components?
  • Carbon sequestration is a key process within the carbon cycle that helps balance carbon levels by capturing atmospheric CO2. It involves interactions among various components like plants, soil, and oceans, where carbon is absorbed during processes like photosynthesis and stored in biomass or sediments. This regulation is vital for maintaining ecological equilibrium and combating climate change.
• Evaluate the potential benefits and challenges associated with implementing carbon sequestration techniques.
  • Implementing carbon sequestration techniques presents several benefits, such as reducing atmospheric CO2 levels and enhancing soil health. However, challenges include high costs of technologies like CCS, the need for suitable geological formations for long-term storage, potential environmental risks, and ensuring public acceptance. Balancing these factors is essential for effective policy-making in climate strategies.
• Assess the long-term implications of relying on carbon sequestration as a primary strategy for addressing climate change.
  • Relying on carbon sequestration alone may not be sufficient to address climate change effectively in the long term. While it can help mitigate emissions temporarily, continuous dependence on this method could detract from urgent efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption and shift towards sustainable energy sources. Moreover, reliance on sequestration might lead to complacency in adopting comprehensive strategies that address root causes of climate change, such as greenhouse gas emissions reduction across all sectors.

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 matter.

Carbon sink: A natural or artificial reservoir that absorbs more carbon than it releases, thus helping to reduce the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases: Gases such as CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to the greenhouse effect and climate change.