Carbon sink and carbon sequestration are integral components in the global carbon cycle, playing a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change. A carbon sink refers to any reservoir or system that absorbs more carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere than it releases, effectively removing this greenhouse gas from the air. Natural carbon sinks include forests, oceans, and soil, while artificial sinks can be found in technologies like carbon capture and storage. Carbon sequestration, on the other hand, specifically refers to the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide to prevent its release into the atmosphere. Both concepts are pivotal in efforts to combat climate change by reducing the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, thus curbing its contribution to global warming and its associated environmental consequences.
CARBON SINK
- A carbon sink denotes any reservoir, whether natural or human-made, that gathers and retains carbon-containing chemical compounds for an extended duration, thereby diminishing CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere.
- Globally, the most crucial carbon sinks are vegetation and the ocean.
- The significance of carbon sinks gained prominence following the passage of the Kyoto Protocol, which advocates for the utilization of CO2 sinks as a means of carbon offset.
- Public awareness of their importance has increased since then.
- Soil plays a pivotal role as a carbon storage medium. However, extensive agricultural practices have led to the depletion of organic carbon in cultivated areas.
- The term “blue carbon” specifically pertains to the carbon sequestered by ocean ecosystems.
- Predominantly composed of mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses, ocean plant life serves as a substantial reservoir for storing significant amounts of carbon.
- Ongoing efforts are being directed towards enhancing natural carbon sequestration in both soils and oceans.
- Additionally, various artificial sequestration initiatives, encompassing the development of new construction materials, carbon capture and storage, and geological sequestration, are currently underway.
NATURAL CARBON SINK
FORESTS
- Green plants play a vital role in the regulation of CO2 levels through the process of photosynthesis.
- This biochemical process occurs in the cells of microscopic organisms and in the leaves of plants, converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose (carbon sugar) using solar radiation energy.
- The synthesized sugar is further transformed into various molecules, including fats, proteins, starch, and enzymes.
- As a byproduct, photosynthesis releases oxygen, essential for both plants and animals.
- Approximately half of the carbon extracted from the atmosphere is believed to result from photosynthesis.
SOIL
- Carbon, a key component of organic matter, is instrumental in creating fertile agricultural soil and enhancing water retention.
- Plants contribute to the transfer of CO2 to soil through their roots.
- While not all the CO2 absorbed by plants during photosynthesis is utilized for food, the excess travels down through their roots, nourishing soil organisms.
- Carbon is also sequestered in the soil through the decomposition of plant roots and leaves.
- Earth’s soil absorbs about a quarter of human emissions annually, with a significant portion stored in peatland or permafrost.
OCEANS
- The oceans serve as a crucial global carbon sink, absorbing and storing carbon, particularly since the Industrial Revolution when fossil fuels became a primary energy source.
- About a quarter of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere has been absorbed by the oceans.
- Photosynthesis and other biological processes contribute to the sequestration of CO2 and carbon compounds. ]
- Phytoplankton, microscopic marine algae and bacteria, play a vital role in the carbon cycle, absorbing a comparable amount of carbon to all land plants and trees combined.
- However, the issue of plastic pollution in oceans has introduced a concern, as plankton consuming microplastics may impact their ability to effectively trap carbon in the ocean.
CARBON SEQUESTRATION
- carbon capture and storage (CCS), also referred to as carbon sequestration, encompasses technologies crafted to address global warming by capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at power plants, industrial facilities, or directly from the atmosphere, subsequently storing it underground for an indefinite period.
- Carbon sequestration specifically denotes the prolonged storage of carbon dioxide or other carbon forms, aiming to diminish or delay global warming.
- This approach has been suggested as a means to mitigate the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and oceans resulting from the burning of fossil fuels.
TYPES OF SEQUESTRATION
Ocean Sequestration:
- Process: Involves the storage of carbon in the oceans through direct injection or fertilization techniques.
- Mechanisms: CO2 from the atmosphere is absorbed, released, and stored by the oceans.
- Methods:
- Iron Fertilization: Stimulates phytoplankton production, enhancing photosynthesis and aiding in CO2 absorption.
- Deep Ocean Injection: Involves injecting CO2 into the deep ocean.
Geologic Sequestration:
- Storage Reservoirs: Natural pore spaces in geologic formations serve as reservoirs for long-term carbon dioxide storage.
- Storage Locations: CO2 can be stored in oil reservoirs, gas reservoirs, unmineable coal seams, saline formations, and organic-rich shale formations.
- Application Potential: Geologic sequestration is considered to have immediate application potential.
Terrestrial Sequestration:
- Process: Involves the absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere by trees and plants through photosynthesis, storing it as carbon in soils and biomass.
- Natural Carbon Sinks: Soils and vegetation act as natural carbon sinks, storing a significant amount of carbon.
- Enhancement Strategies:
- Increasing Photosynthesis: Boosting carbon fixation through photosynthesis.
- Reducing Decomposition: Slowing or reducing the decomposition of organic matter.
- Land-use Practices: Altering land-use practices to enhance carbon uptake.
FAQs: CARBON SINK AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION
1. What is a carbon sink?
A: A carbon sink refers to any reservoir, whether natural or human-made, that collects and retains carbon-containing compounds, reducing CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. Vital global carbon sinks include vegetation and the ocean.
2. Why are carbon sinks significant?
A: Carbon sinks gained importance after the Kyoto Protocol, which encourages using CO2 sinks as a carbon offset. Public awareness of their importance has increased over time.
3. How does soil contribute as a carbon sink?
A: Soil acts as a crucial carbon storage medium, but intensive agricultural practices have led to the depletion of organic carbon in cultivated areas.
4. What is “blue carbon”?
A: “Blue carbon” specifically refers to carbon sequestered by ocean ecosystems, primarily composed of mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses.
5. Are there ongoing efforts to enhance carbon sequestration?
A: Yes, ongoing efforts focus on improving natural carbon sequestration in soils and oceans. Additionally, various artificial sequestration initiatives are underway, involving new construction materials, carbon capture and storage, and geological sequestration.
6. How do forests act as a natural carbon sink?
A: Forests regulate CO2 levels through photosynthesis, converting carbon dioxide into glucose using solar energy. Approximately half of the extracted carbon results from photosynthesis.
7. How does soil contribute to carbon sequestration?
A: Soil stores carbon, a key component of organic matter, through the transfer of CO2 from plants. Earth’s soil absorbs about a quarter of human emissions annually.
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