2 minScientific Concept
Scientific Concept

Carbon Sink / Carbon Sequestration

Carbon Sink / Carbon Sequestration क्या है?

A carbon sink is any natural or artificial reservoir that accumulates and stores some carbon-containing chemical compound for an indefinite period. Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. It is one method of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere with the goal of reducing global climate change.

ऐतिहासिक पृष्ठभूमि

The concept gained prominence with increasing awareness of anthropogenic CO2 emissions and their role in global warming, especially since the late 20th century. International efforts like the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and Paris Agreement (2015) emphasized the importance of carbon sinks.

मुख्य प्रावधान

8 points
  • 1.

    Natural Carbon Sinks: Oceans (absorb a significant portion of atmospheric CO2, e.g., Southern Ocean absorbs approximately 40% of human-emitted CO2) and Forests and Soils (plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, storing carbon in biomass and soil organic matter).

  • 2.

    Artificial Carbon Sinks / Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Technologies designed to capture CO2 from industrial sources and store it underground in geological formations.

  • 3.

    Role in Climate Regulation: Carbon sinks help mitigate climate change by removing CO2 from the atmosphere, thus reducing the greenhouse effect.

  • 4.

    Saturation Risk: Natural sinks can become saturated or even turn into sources if environmental conditions change (e.g., deforestation, ocean warming).

  • 5.

    Blue Carbon: Carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems like mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass beds, which are highly efficient carbon sinks.

  • 6.

    Carbon Cycle: Sinks are integral to the global carbon cyclethe biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth.

  • 7.

    Afforestation and reforestation are key strategies to enhance terrestrial carbon sinks.

  • 8.

    The efficiency of carbon sinks can be influenced by factors like ocean stratification and ocean currents.

दृश्य सामग्री

Carbon Sinks & Sequestration: Mechanisms & Relevance

This mind map outlines the key aspects of carbon sinks and sequestration, differentiating between natural and artificial methods, their role in climate mitigation, and India's strategic initiatives.

Carbon Sink / Sequestration

  • Natural Carbon Sinks
  • Artificial Sinks (CCS/CCUS)
  • Role in Climate Mitigation
  • India's Initiatives & Commitments

Evolution of International & Indian Carbon Sink Policies

This timeline traces key international agreements and India's significant commitments related to carbon sinks and climate action, highlighting the increasing global focus on sequestration.

The understanding and policy focus on carbon sinks have evolved significantly since the late 20th century, driven by increasing scientific evidence of anthropogenic climate change. International agreements and national policies now increasingly integrate strategies for enhancing carbon sequestration.

  • 1992UNFCCC adopted at Earth Summit (Rio)
  • 1997Kyoto Protocol adopted
  • 2008India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
  • 2015Paris Agreement adopted
  • 2021India's 'Panchamrit' pledge at COP26 (Glasgow)
  • 2023Launch of India's Green Credit Programme
  • 2025Global Stocktake (GST) under Paris Agreement

हालिया विकास

5 विकास

Increased focus on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for carbon sequestration.

Development of advanced Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies.

Emergence of carbon markets and carbon credits to incentivize sequestration.

Studies like the one in the news highlight the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of natural carbon sinks.

India's commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070, emphasizing forest cover and renewable energy.

स्रोत विषय

Southern Ocean's Surprising Carbon Sink: Models Missed a Key Layer

Environment & Ecology

UPSC महत्व

Critical for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Environment & Ecology, Climate Change). Frequently asked in Prelims (definitions, examples, mechanisms) and Mains (mitigation strategies, international agreements, impacts).

Carbon Sinks & Sequestration: Mechanisms & Relevance

This mind map outlines the key aspects of carbon sinks and sequestration, differentiating between natural and artificial methods, their role in climate mitigation, and India's strategic initiatives.

Carbon Sink / Sequestration

Oceans (e.g., Southern Ocean - 40% CO2)

Forests & Soils (Photosynthesis, Biomass)

Carbon Capture & Storage/Utilization

Reducing Atmospheric CO2 & GHG Effect

Saturation Risk & Feedback Loops

Net Zero Emissions by 2070

National Forest Policy, Green India Mission

Connections
Natural Carbon SinksRole in Climate Mitigation
Artificial Sinks (CCS/CCUS)Role in Climate Mitigation
Role in Climate MitigationIndia's Initiatives & Commitments
Oceans (e.g., Southern Ocean - 40% CO2)Saturation Risk & Feedback Loops
+1 more

Evolution of International & Indian Carbon Sink Policies

This timeline traces key international agreements and India's significant commitments related to carbon sinks and climate action, highlighting the increasing global focus on sequestration.

1992

UNFCCC adopted at Earth Summit (Rio)

1997

Kyoto Protocol adopted

2008

India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

2015

Paris Agreement adopted

2021

India's 'Panchamrit' pledge at COP26 (Glasgow)

2023

Launch of India's Green Credit Programme

2025

Global Stocktake (GST) under Paris Agreement