Carbon Sequestration
Introduction to Carbon Sequestration
Carbon sequestration is the process through which CO2 from the atmosphere is absorbed by various carbon sinks. Types of sinks include agricultural sinks, forests, geologic formations, oceanic sinks,as well as roots and within the soil.
Carbon Sinks
Carbon sequestration is implemented by transferring carbon into designated carbon sinks, which are systems or areas that have the ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Types of Carbon Sinks
Natural Sinks:
These occur naturally and include:
Oceans
- The oceans absorb around one-fourth of global CO₂ emissions.
- Phytoplankton, microscopic marine organisms, are key players in oceanic carbon absorption—on par with the world’s land vegetation.
- Threats: Plastic pollution is harming plankton, reducing their ability to absorb carbon. Microplastics interfere with the marine carbon cycle.
Soil
- Earth’s soils absorb approximately 25% of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions annually.
- Significant carbon is stored in peatlands and permafrost.
- Threats: Unsustainable agriculture, chemical runoff, and climate change are reducing the soil’s ability to store carbon.
Forests
- Forests absorb about 2.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ each year.
- Despite their role in climate regulation, forests are being cleared at an alarming rate—an area equal to a football field is lost every second.
- Efforts Needed: Strengthening forest laws, empowering local communities, and combating illegal logging.
Fungi
- Mycorrhizal fungi, which live in symbiosis with plant roots, are estimated to store over one-third of global carbon emissions.
- Modern agricultural practices, such as deep plowing and overuse of chemicals, disturb this underground network.
- Action Required: Similar protections for fungi as are demanded for forests and soils.
Artificial Sinks:
These are human-made storage sites, such as:
- Depleted oil and gas reservoirs
- Unmineable coal seams
- Abandoned mines
Industrial Use of Carbon Capture
Carbon capture is not a new practice. The oil and gas industry has been utilizing it for many years, particularly to boost oil and gas recovery. However, it is only in recent times that the focus has shifted towards using carbon capture for environmental purposes, especially to combat climate change.