Carbon sequestration

Definition

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to mitigate climate change. This process can take place naturally through biological systems, such as forests and oceans, or through technological methods designed to capture CO2 emissions from industrial sources. By reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, carbon sequestration plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development and advancing green technologies aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural carbon sequestration occurs in forests, soil, and oceans, where carbon is stored in biomass and sediments.
2. Technological methods of carbon sequestration, such as CCS, involve capturing CO2 emissions before they are released into the atmosphere and storing them underground in geological formations.
3. Enhancing carbon sequestration can be achieved through practices like reforestation, afforestation, and improving agricultural soil management.
4. Carbon sequestration not only helps mitigate climate change but can also enhance biodiversity by supporting healthier ecosystems.
5. The effectiveness of carbon sequestration strategies is measured in terms of their ability to reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations over time.

Review Questions

• How does carbon sequestration contribute to mitigating climate change?
  • Carbon sequestration contributes to mitigating climate change by reducing the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, which is a major greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. Through both natural processes like photosynthesis in plants and technological methods such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), carbon is captured and stored instead of being released into the air. This reduction in atmospheric CO2 can help slow down temperature increases and promote a healthier environment.
• Evaluate the role of technological advancements in improving carbon sequestration methods and their potential impact on sustainable development.
  • Technological advancements have significantly improved carbon sequestration methods, particularly through innovations in carbon capture and storage (CCS). These technologies allow for efficient capture of CO2 from industrial processes before it enters the atmosphere. By integrating these solutions with renewable energy systems, there is a potential for creating a more sustainable energy infrastructure that not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also fosters economic growth by creating new job opportunities in green technologies.
• Critically assess the challenges associated with implementing large-scale carbon sequestration initiatives and their implications for future environmental policy.
  • Implementing large-scale carbon sequestration initiatives faces several challenges, including high costs, technological limitations, regulatory hurdles, and public acceptance. These challenges require comprehensive environmental policy frameworks that support research and development while addressing concerns about safety and long-term storage of captured CO2. A critical assessment reveals that without strong policy commitment to promote investment in carbon sequestration technologies, achieving significant reductions in atmospheric CO2 may remain difficult, undermining efforts toward sustainable development and climate action.

Related terms

Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight into chemical energy, capturing CO2 from the atmosphere.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): A technology that captures CO2 emissions produced from the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation and industrial processes, preventing the CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

Greenhouse Gases: Gases such as CO2, methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.