Carbon sequestration

Definition

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to mitigate climate change. It involves techniques to capture CO2 emissions from sources like power plants, as well as natural methods like afforestation, which can help reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carbon sequestration can occur through both biological methods, like planting trees, and technological solutions, such as CCS.
2. In geological carbon sequestration, captured CO2 is injected into deep underground rock formations for long-term storage.
3. The success of carbon sequestration depends on factors such as the capacity of storage sites and the efficiency of capture technologies.
4. Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is a process that uses captured CO2 to increase oil production while simultaneously sequestering CO2 in geological formations.
5. Carbon sequestration is considered essential for achieving global climate goals, as it can significantly reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.

Review Questions

• How do biological and technological methods of carbon sequestration differ in their approaches to capturing CO2?
  • Biological methods involve natural processes such as afforestation and soil management, which enhance the natural ability of ecosystems to absorb CO2. In contrast, technological methods like carbon capture and storage (CCS) rely on advanced engineering solutions to capture CO2 emissions directly from industrial sources. While both approaches aim to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels, biological methods are generally slower and rely on ecological processes, while technological methods can achieve immediate reductions in emissions.
• Discuss the role of geological carbon sequestration in mitigating climate change and its potential risks.
  • Geological carbon sequestration plays a significant role in mitigating climate change by storing large volumes of captured CO2 deep underground, preventing it from entering the atmosphere. However, potential risks include leakage of stored CO2 back into the atmosphere due to geological faults or improper site management. These risks necessitate careful site selection, monitoring, and regulation to ensure that stored CO2 remains trapped effectively over long periods.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of carbon sequestration as a strategy to meet international climate goals, considering both its benefits and limitations.
  • Carbon sequestration is an effective strategy for meeting international climate goals because it offers a way to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels significantly. Its ability to capture emissions from hard-to-decarbonize sectors makes it a critical component in many climate action plans. However, limitations exist, such as the scalability of technology, costs associated with implementation, and potential environmental concerns. A comprehensive approach that combines carbon sequestration with renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency improvements is essential for achieving meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Related terms

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 gas from entering the atmosphere.

Afforestation:

The process of planting trees in an area where there was no previous tree cover, which helps absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide, contributing to global warming and climate change.