Definition and Overview
Carbon sequestration is the process by which carbon dioxide (CO2) is captured from the atmosphere and stored in long-term sinks, such as plants, soil, or geological formations. This natural or engineered mechanism helps reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases, mitigating global warming. The process involves uptake, conversion, and stabilization of carbon to prevent its release back into the atmosphere.
Key Mechanisms
Carbon sequestration occurs through biological, geological, and technological pathways. Biologically, plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, converting it into biomass and storing it in roots, trunks, and soil. Geologically, CO2 can be injected into underground rock formations where it mineralizes over time. Technological methods include direct air capture devices that chemically bind CO2 for storage, often combined with enhanced weathering techniques to accelerate natural processes.
Practical Example: Reforestation
In reforestation projects, trees are planted in deforested areas to sequester carbon. For instance, a mature forest can absorb up to 10 tons of CO2 per hectare annually through photosynthesis. As trees grow, they store carbon in wood and soil organic matter; a project in the Amazon might sequester millions of tons over decades, demonstrating how large-scale planting enhances natural carbon sinks while restoring ecosystems.
Applications and Significance
Carbon sequestration is vital for achieving net-zero emissions goals, supporting international agreements like the Paris Accord. It is applied in agriculture through soil management practices that increase carbon storage, in industry via carbon capture and storage (CCS) at power plants, and in ocean-based methods like alkalinity enhancement. By locking away CO2, it slows ocean acidification and biodiversity loss, providing a scalable tool for sustainable environmental management.