Carbon Sequestration – A Level Environmental Science AQA Revision

Carbon sequestration is a process that captures and stores atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) with the goal of mitigating or delaying global warming.
There are two types of carbon sequestration – Natural Carbon Sequestration, performed by plants through photosynthesis and Geo-sequestration or Technological Sequestration, performed by humans using technology.
It’s central to achieving a sustainable future because it directly supports the planet’s capacity to counteract climate change by reducing greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere.

This process is largely performed by forests, that absorb CO2, convert it to organic matter, and store it in branches, trunks, roots, and surrounding soil.
Oceanic phytoplankton also contribute significantly to natural carbon sequestration, absorbing large amounts of CO2 through photosynthesis.
Soils and wetlands are other natural reservoirs of carbon, holding three times more carbon than the atmosphere.
Natural sequestration can be increased through forest management, conservation practices, and forest restoration projects.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technology that can capture up to 90% of the carbon dioxide emissions produced from the use of fossil fuels, preventing it from entering the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide can be stored underground in depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers, through a process known as injection and storage.
These technologies play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly for large industrial emitters.
CCS is not yet widely used due to economic, environmental, and social challenges, including high cost, potential for leakage, and public acceptance issues.

The carbon cycle refers to the movement of carbon in various forms through the biosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.
Human activities like deforestation and burning fossil fuels accelerates the transfer of carbon from the lithosphere and biosphere to the atmosphere, leading to increased levels of CO2.
Effective carbon sequestration strategies can help offset these human-induced changes to the carbon cycle, thus mitigating the impacts of climate change.