Carbon sequestration

Definition

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to mitigate or defer climate change. This technique can occur naturally through biological processes, like photosynthesis, or can be engineered through technologies that capture CO2 emissions from industrial sources and store it underground. This approach is vital for reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and supports sustainability efforts aimed at addressing environmental challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carbon sequestration can occur in various forms, including terrestrial (forests, soils), oceanic (marine ecosystems), and geological (subsurface rock formations) sequestration.
2. Technological methods of carbon sequestration involve capturing CO2 emissions from power plants and industrial facilities, then transporting and injecting it into geological formations for long-term storage.
3. Increasing carbon sequestration is crucial for meeting global climate targets, as it can help offset emissions from sectors that are difficult to decarbonize, such as aviation and heavy industry.
4. Natural methods of carbon sequestration include enhancing soil health through practices like no-till farming and reforestation, which improve the land's ability to store carbon.
5. There are concerns about potential risks associated with geological carbon sequestration, such as leakage of stored CO2 back into the atmosphere and induced seismicity due to pressure changes underground.

Review Questions

• How does carbon sequestration contribute to the overall strategy for combating climate change?
  • Carbon sequestration plays a crucial role in the strategy to combat climate change by reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. By capturing and storing carbon emissions from industrial processes or enhancing natural systems like forests and soils, we can significantly lower greenhouse gas concentrations. This reduction is essential in limiting global warming to safe levels and achieving sustainability goals by creating a balance between emissions produced and those removed from the atmosphere.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of both natural and technological methods of carbon sequestration in mitigating climate change impacts.
  • Natural methods of carbon sequestration, like reforestation and improved agricultural practices, have proven effective in enhancing the carbon storage capacity of ecosystems. However, their potential is limited by land availability and biodiversity considerations. Technological methods, while capable of capturing large volumes of CO2 from industrial sources, face challenges related to cost, infrastructure development, and public acceptance. A combination of both approaches may offer the best strategy for effectively reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
• Critically assess the long-term implications of relying on carbon sequestration as a primary tool for addressing climate change.
  • Relying heavily on carbon sequestration raises concerns about dependency on temporary fixes rather than fundamental changes in energy production and consumption. While it can provide short-term relief in reducing atmospheric CO2 levels, it may detract from necessary investments in renewable energy technologies and lifestyle changes aimed at reducing emissions at the source. Additionally, uncertainties regarding the permanence of carbon storage solutions necessitate careful evaluation to avoid potential environmental risks, ensuring that they complement broader sustainability efforts rather than replace them.

Related terms

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

carbon footprint:

The total amount of greenhouse gases, particularly CO2, that are emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.

renewable energy: Energy generated from natural resources that are replenished on a human timescale, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy.