Carbon sequestration

Definition

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to mitigate climate change and reduce the greenhouse effect. This can occur naturally through biological processes, like photosynthesis in plants, or artificially through technological methods that capture CO2 from the atmosphere or from industrial sources and store it underground or use it in various applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carbon sequestration plays a crucial role in balancing the carbon cycle by reducing excess CO2 in the atmosphere, thus helping to combat global warming.
2. Natural carbon sequestration occurs in forests, oceans, and soils, where plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis and store it as biomass or in organic matter.
3. Technological methods of carbon sequestration include direct air capture and carbon capture and storage (CCS), both designed to capture emissions from power plants and industrial sources.
4. Geological formations suitable for long-term CO2 storage include depleted oil and gas fields, deep saline aquifers, and unmineable coal seams.
5. The effectiveness of carbon sequestration is influenced by geological stability, monitoring techniques, and potential risks such as leakage or induced seismicity.

Review Questions

• How does carbon sequestration contribute to mitigating climate change and what are its primary methods?
  • Carbon sequestration contributes to mitigating climate change by capturing and storing CO2 emissions that would otherwise contribute to global warming. The primary methods include natural processes like photosynthesis in plants, where trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, and technological approaches such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), which captures emissions from industrial sources before they reach the atmosphere. By reducing the overall concentration of greenhouse gases in the air, these methods help slow down climate change.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using geological storage as a method for carbon sequestration.
  • Geological storage as a method for carbon sequestration has several advantages, including its potential for long-term CO2 containment and its ability to utilize existing oil and gas infrastructure for storage. However, there are disadvantages such as the risks of leakage, which could undermine its effectiveness, as well as concerns about induced seismicity due to the injection of large volumes of CO2 into geological formations. Additionally, the costs associated with monitoring and maintaining storage sites can be significant.
• Evaluate the role of carbon sequestration within the broader context of environmental management strategies aimed at reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
  • The role of carbon sequestration within environmental management strategies is critical for achieving significant reductions in atmospheric CO2 levels. As part of a comprehensive approach to combating climate change, carbon sequestration complements other strategies like renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency improvements, and reforestation efforts. Evaluating its impact requires understanding its scalability, economic viability, and integration with policies aimed at reducing emissions across various sectors. Effective implementation can enhance the resilience of ecosystems while addressing urgent climate challenges.

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 and water into glucose and oxygen.

carbon cycle: The natural cycle through which carbon is exchanged between the earth's atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms, playing a critical role in regulating the Earth's climate.

geological storage: A method of carbon sequestration that involves injecting captured CO2 into underground rock formations for long-term storage, preventing it from re-entering the atmosphere.