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Carbon sequestration

Definition

Carbon sequestration is a process by which carbon dioxide (CO2) is captured from the atmosphere or emitted sources and stored long-term instead of being released into the atmosphere. It helps mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas concentrations.

Analogy

Imagine carbon sequestration as putting away money in a savings account for future use. Just like saving money helps you build wealth over time, carbon sequestration helps remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it, reducing its impact on the climate.

Related terms

Carbon Footprint: A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, mainly CO2, emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product. It measures the impact of human activities on climate change.

Reforestation: Reforestation refers to the process of planting trees in areas where forests have been cut down or destroyed. Trees act as natural carbon sinks and help sequester CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis.

Carbon Offset: A carbon offset is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions made to compensate for emissions produced elsewhere. It involves investing in projects that reduce or remove CO2 from the atmosphere, such as renewable energy initiatives or reforestation efforts.