How does Carbon Sequestration work?
Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere in order to mitigate the effects of climate change. It involves two main approaches, natural and artificial. Natural carbon sequestration occurs through biological processes, such as plants and trees absorbing CO2 through photosynthesis and storing it in their tissues or in soil. Artificial carbon sequestration includes techniques like carbon capture and storage (CCS), which capture CO2 emissions from industrial sources before they are released into the atmosphere, and then store them underground or utilize them for industrial purposes.
Long answer
Carbon sequestration is a critical process aimed at reducing the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the primary greenhouse gases responsible for climate change. The term “sequestration” refers to the long-term storage of captured CO2 so that it does not contribute to rising global temperatures. It encompasses both natural processes, such as photosynthesis by plants and microorganisms, as well as human interventions known as artificial carbon sequestration.
In natural carbon sequestration, ecosystems play a vital role in absorbing and storing CO2. Plants use photosynthesis to convert atmospheric CO2 into organic compounds while releasing oxygen back into the air. Trees are particularly effective at this process; they absorb large amounts of CO2 throughout their lifespan. When trees die and decompose naturally, some of this stored carbon returns to the atmosphere, but a significant portion can persist in soil for an extended period through a process known as soil organic matter formation. Oceans also act as substantial carbon sinks by dissolving atmospheric CO2 into seawater.
Artificial carbon sequestration techniques involve human intervention to capture and store CO2 emissions generated from industrial processes before they are released into the atmosphere. One popular method is called Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), wherein CO2 gas is captured by special equipment installed directly on emission sources like power plants, cement factories, or other industrial facilities. Once captured, the CO2 is compressed into a supercritical state and transported by pipeline or ship to designated storage sites.
The storage of captured CO2 can be done via various techniques, including geological storage. In this approach, the supercritical CO2 is injected deep underground into specific rock formations that have the capacity to trap and contain it safely over long periods of time. Another option for storing carbon involves using captured CO2 to produce useful products like synthetics fuels or chemicals through a process called Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU). This application provides both climate benefits by reducing emissions and economic prospects by utilizing CO2 as a valuable resource instead of simply storing it.
While carbon sequestration shows promise in mitigating climate change impacts, there are challenges associated with scaling up these methods. Natural sequestration efforts require protecting existing forests and implementing reforestation programs to promote organic matter formation in soil. Artificial carbon sequestration technologies need further research for cost-effective deployment on larger scales. Advancements in both natural and artificial carbon sequestration play crucial roles in addressing climate change concerns and achieving global emission reduction goals.