2 minScientific Concept
Scientific Concept

Carbon Sequestration

What is Carbon Sequestration?

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). It aims to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, thereby mitigating climate change. It can occur naturally or through artificial processes.

Historical Background

The concept of carbon sequestration gained prominence with the growing awareness of climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is a key strategy discussed in international climate agreements like the Paris Agreement.

Key Points

8 points
  • 1.

    Natural carbon sequestration occurs in ecosystems like forests, oceans, and soils. Plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis and store it in their biomass.

  • 2.

    Artificial carbon sequestration involves technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS), where CO2 is captured from industrial sources and stored underground.

  • 3.

    Afforestation and reforestation are important strategies for enhancing carbon sequestration in forests.

  • 4.

    Soil carbon sequestration involves practices like conservation tillage, cover cropping, and crop rotation to increase the amount of carbon stored in agricultural soils.

  • 5.

    Ocean carbon sequestration can be enhanced through strategies like ocean fertilization and direct injection of CO2 into the deep ocean.

  • 6.

    The effectiveness of carbon sequestration depends on factors like the type of ecosystem, climate conditions, and management practices.

  • 7.

    Carbon sequestration projects can generate carbon credits, which can be traded in carbon markets.

  • 8.

    Monitoring and verification are essential to ensure the long-term effectiveness of carbon sequestration projects.

Visual Insights

Recent Developments

5 developments

Increased investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

Growing interest in nature-based solutions for carbon sequestration, such as forest restoration and wetland conservation.

Development of carbon accounting frameworks to measure and track carbon sequestration in different ecosystems.

Emergence of carbon markets and carbon pricing mechanisms to incentivize carbon sequestration.

Research on new technologies for carbon sequestration, such as direct air capture (DAC).

Source Topic

Grasslands' Crucial Role in Climate Plans: A Call for Recognition

Environment & Ecology

UPSC Relevance

Important for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Environment and Ecology), particularly in the context of climate change mitigation and sustainable development. Frequently asked in both Prelims and Mains.

Carbon Sequestration Potential by Ecosystem Type (2026)

This bar chart compares the estimated carbon sequestration potential of different ecosystem types in 2026.