Carbon sequestration

Definition

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to mitigate the effects of climate change. This can occur naturally through processes like photosynthesis in plants or artificially through technology that captures CO2 emissions from sources like power plants. Effective carbon sequestration is vital for reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and is a key strategy in climate change mitigation efforts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural carbon sequestration can occur in forests, soils, oceans, and wetlands, where carbon is stored as biomass or in organic matter.
2. The ability of different ecosystems to sequester carbon varies significantly; for example, forests are generally more effective than grasslands or deserts.
3. Artificial methods of carbon sequestration include direct air capture and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), which combines biomass energy production with CO2 removal.
4. Carbon sequestration plays a crucial role in achieving net-zero emissions targets set by countries under international agreements like the Paris Agreement.
5. Ongoing research aims to enhance the efficiency of both natural and artificial carbon sequestration methods to combat climate change more effectively.

Review Questions

• How does carbon sequestration contribute to mitigating climate change, and what are some natural processes involved?
  • Carbon sequestration helps mitigate climate change by reducing the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, a major greenhouse gas. Natural processes such as photosynthesis in trees and other plants play a crucial role in sequestering carbon, as these organisms absorb CO2 to produce energy. Additionally, soils and oceans also act as significant carbon sinks, storing large amounts of carbon over long periods.
• Discuss the differences between natural and artificial carbon sequestration methods and their respective advantages.
  • Natural carbon sequestration methods rely on ecosystems like forests, oceans, and wetlands to absorb and store CO2 naturally. These methods are generally low-cost and help maintain biodiversity. In contrast, artificial carbon sequestration involves technological approaches like carbon capture and storage (CCS) or direct air capture, which can be more efficient but often require significant investment. While natural methods enhance ecosystem health, artificial methods can target specific emission sources more directly.
• Evaluate the long-term potential of carbon sequestration as a strategy for global climate change mitigation and its possible limitations.
  • The long-term potential of carbon sequestration is significant, as it can contribute to achieving net-zero emissions by actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere. However, limitations include the capacity of natural systems to sequester carbon being finite and potentially affected by climate events like wildfires or droughts. Moreover, reliance on artificial methods raises concerns about cost-effectiveness, technological feasibility, and public acceptance. Therefore, while carbon sequestration is a valuable tool in the fight against climate change, it must be part of a broader strategy that includes reducing fossil fuel use and enhancing renewable energy sources.

Related terms

photosynthesis: The process by which green plants and some organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, using CO2 and water to produce glucose and oxygen.

greenhouse gases: Gases such as CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

carbon capture and storage (CCS): A technology used to capture carbon dioxide emissions from sources like coal-fired power plants, transporting it to a storage site for long-term isolation from the atmosphere.