Carbon sequestration

Definition

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) in order to mitigate climate change and reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This process can occur naturally, such as through photosynthesis in plants, or be enhanced through human activities like reforestation and soil management. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of carbon in ecosystems and contributes to biodiversity conservation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and grasslands are significant carbon sinks, sequestering large amounts of CO2 through their biomass and soils.
2. Reforestation and afforestation are effective methods for enhancing carbon sequestration, as trees absorb CO2 during photosynthesis and store it as biomass.
3. Soil management practices can increase soil carbon storage by improving soil health and increasing organic matter content.
4. Carbon sequestration can also occur in marine environments, where phytoplankton play a crucial role in capturing CO2 through photosynthesis and contributing to marine biodiversity.
5. By mitigating climate change through effective carbon sequestration strategies, we can help protect various ecosystems and the diverse species that rely on them.

Review Questions

• How does carbon sequestration contribute to the health of major ecosystems?
  • Carbon sequestration contributes to the health of major ecosystems by stabilizing atmospheric CO2 levels, which helps mitigate climate change. Healthy ecosystems, such as forests and wetlands, enhance their own capacity to sequester carbon through robust plant growth and soil development. By maintaining this balance, these ecosystems support biodiversity by providing habitats for various species and ensuring ecological resilience against climate-related stressors.
• Evaluate the role of marine ecosystems in carbon sequestration compared to terrestrial ecosystems.
  • Marine ecosystems play a critical role in carbon sequestration that complements terrestrial ecosystems. While forests are well-known for their ability to absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, marine environments like oceans and coastal wetlands also capture significant amounts of carbon. Phytoplankton, seagrasses, and mangroves sequester carbon effectively; however, they face threats from pollution and climate change. Protecting both marine and terrestrial systems is essential for optimizing carbon sequestration efforts globally.
• Analyze how human activities can enhance or disrupt natural carbon sequestration processes within ecosystems.
  • Human activities can enhance carbon sequestration through practices like reforestation, improved agricultural methods, and wetland restoration. These efforts increase biomass and improve soil health, leading to greater CO2 absorption. Conversely, deforestation, urbanization, and land degradation disrupt these natural processes by releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere and reducing ecosystem capacity to sequester more CO2. This dual impact highlights the importance of sustainable practices in managing both terrestrial and marine environments to effectively combat climate change.

Related terms

Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll, capturing CO2 from the atmosphere.

Soil Carbon Storage: The accumulation of carbon in soil organic matter, which can be enhanced through practices like cover cropping and reduced tillage.

Carbon Cycle: The continuous movement of carbon among the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms, which is essential for sustaining life.