What is carbon sequestration?

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) to mitigate the effects of climate change. It involves removing CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing it in a stable form, preventing it from contributing to the greenhouse effect, which drives global warming.

There are two main types of carbon sequestration:

  1. Natural Carbon Sequestration:
    • This process occurs through natural ecosystems, primarily through plants, soils, and oceans.
    • Plants: Through photosynthesis, plants absorb CO₂ from the air and convert it into biomass (leaves, wood, roots). Forests, grasslands, and wetlands play a significant role in storing carbon.
    • Soils: Healthy soils, particularly those rich in organic matter, can store large amounts of carbon over time. Agricultural practices like agroforestry, cover cropping, and reduced tillage can enhance soil carbon sequestration.
    • Oceans: The world’s oceans absorb large amounts of CO₂, storing it in deep water and marine organisms.
  2. Artificial (or Engineered) Carbon Sequestration:
    • This involves human-made technologies to capture and store carbon from industrial processes or power plants.
    • Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): In CCS technology, CO₂ is captured from sources like factories or power plants, transported, and injected into underground geological formations, such as depleted oil fields or saline aquifers, where it can be stored long-term.
    • Direct Air Capture (DAC): This technology involves extracting CO₂ directly from the atmosphere and storing it underground or using it in products like building materials.

Benefits of Carbon Sequestration:

  • Mitigates Climate Change: By capturing and storing CO₂, carbon sequestration helps reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, slowing the warming of the planet.
  • Improves Soil Health: In agricultural settings, practices that enhance soil carbon sequestration also improve soil fertility and water retention.
  • Ecosystem Restoration: Natural carbon sequestration through reforestation and restoring degraded ecosystems promotes biodiversity and resilience against environmental changes.

Overall, carbon sequestration is a vital strategy in global efforts to reduce the impact of climate change and maintain the health of ecosystems.