{"id":32484,"date":"2024-03-06T06:24:54","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T06:24:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=32484"},"modified":"2024-03-06T06:24:56","modified_gmt":"2024-03-06T06:24:56","slug":"deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/","title":{"rendered":"Deterioration of Carbon sink &#8211; UPSC Environment Notes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Any entity that takes in more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases is identified as a carbon sink.&nbsp;<\/li><li>These sinks play a vital role in maintaining the desired levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Typical carbon sinks encompass pristine soils, oceans, untapped fossil fuel reservoirs, and the photosynthesis process of terrestrial plants.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/J9QhPSSpSYFD0zpSOWBhmaXjJdp8iyXn-pAPqTM4cw_Pq-OENvuVL4y8jovXCGO2zo3y2GV5Ri9Lymmizpjzwi_B4YSCl2W-FNrrnx-OkJ9WPVhboB6eQ3qtWhmFSfojNyXEbsDxieXAeq2E0n42b-c\" alt=\"CARBON SINKS\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><figcaption>CARBON SINKS<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69eadffe43197\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69eadffe43197\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Natural_Carbon_Sinks\" title=\"Natural Carbon Sinks\">Natural Carbon Sinks<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Forests\" title=\"Forests:\">Forests:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Soil\" title=\"Soil:\">Soil:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Oceans\" title=\"Oceans:\">Oceans:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Artificial_Carbon_Sinks\" title=\"Artificial Carbon Sinks:\">Artificial Carbon Sinks:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#New_Building_Materials\" title=\"New Building Materials:\">New Building Materials:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Carbon_Capture_and_Storage_CCS\" title=\"Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):\">Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Direct_Air_Capture_DAC\" title=\"Direct Air Capture (DAC):\">Direct Air Capture (DAC):<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Afforestation_and_Reforestation\" title=\"Afforestation and Reforestation:\">Afforestation and Reforestation:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Ocean-Based_Interventions\" title=\"Ocean-Based Interventions:\">Ocean-Based Interventions:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Bioenergy_with_Carbon_Capture_and_Storage_BECCS\" title=\"Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS):\">Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS):<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Enhanced_Weathering\" title=\"Enhanced Weathering:\">Enhanced Weathering:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#IMPORTANCE_OF_CARBON_SINKS\" title=\"IMPORTANCE OF CARBON SINKS\">IMPORTANCE OF CARBON SINKS<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#FAQs_TYPES_OF_CARBON_SINKS\" title=\"FAQs: TYPES OF CARBON SINKS\">FAQs: TYPES OF CARBON SINKS<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Q1_What_is_a_carbon_sink\" title=\"Q1: What is a carbon sink?\">Q1: What is a carbon sink?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Q2_What_are_common_examples_of_carbon_sinks\" title=\"Q2: What are common examples of carbon sinks?\">Q2: What are common examples of carbon sinks?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Q3_How_do_forests_contribute_to_carbon_sequestration\" title=\"Q3: How do forests contribute to carbon sequestration?\">Q3: How do forests contribute to carbon sequestration?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Q4_What_role_does_soil_play_as_a_carbon_sink\" title=\"Q4: What role does soil play as a carbon sink?\">Q4: What role does soil play as a carbon sink?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Q5_How_do_oceans_function_as_carbon_sinks\" title=\"Q5: How do oceans function as carbon sinks?\">Q5: How do oceans function as carbon sinks?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Q6_What_are_the_consequences_of_plastic_pollution_on_ocean_carbon_sinks\" title=\"Q6: What are the consequences of plastic pollution on ocean carbon sinks?\">Q6: What are the consequences of plastic pollution on ocean carbon sinks?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Q7_What_are_artificial_carbon_sinks\" title=\"Q7: What are artificial carbon sinks?\">Q7: What are artificial carbon sinks?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/deterioration-of-carbon-sink-upsc-environment-notes\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Natural_Carbon_Sinks\"><\/span><strong>Natural Carbon Sinks<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Forests\"><\/span><em>Forests:<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Green plants assume a pivotal role in the regulation of CO2 levels through the intricate process of photosynthesis. This biochemical phenomenon transpires in the cells of microscopic organisms and in the leaves of plants, utilizing solar radiation energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (carbon sugar). Once synthesized, sugar undergoes further transformation and is utilized in the creation of diverse molecules, including fats, proteins, starch, and enzymes. Upon completion of this intricate process, photosynthesis releases oxygen, a vital element required by both plants and animals. It is widely acknowledged that photosynthesis is responsible for approximately half of all carbon extracted from the atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Soil\"><\/span><em>Soil:<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Carbon, constituting the primary component of organic matter, plays a fundamental role in fostering fertile agricultural soil and enhancing water retention. Plants serve as the primary conduit for the transfer of CO2 to the soil. However, not all the CO2 absorbed by plants during photosynthesis is utilized for sustenance. The surplus percolates down through their roots, nourishing soil organisms. Furthermore, carbon is captured in the soil through the decomposition of plant roots and leaves. Annually, Earth&#8217;s soil absorbs about a quarter of all human emissions, with a substantial portion of this carbon stored in peatland or permafrost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Oceans\"><\/span><em>Oceans:<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The oceans serve as the veritable workhorse for absorbing and storing carbon on a global scale. Since the advent of the Industrial Revolution, marked by the widespread burning of fossil fuels for energy, the ocean has absorbed roughly a quarter of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Photosynthesis, coupled with other biological processes, contributes significantly to sequestering CO2 and various carbon compounds. Notably, the ocean stands out as one of the most crucial carbon sinks, attributed to phytoplankton. These microscopic marine algae and bacteria play a pivotal role in the global carbon cycle, absorbing an amount of carbon roughly equivalent to that sequestered by all land plants and trees combined. However, the menace of plastic pollution in our oceans has introduced a concerning dynamic, as plankton, essential in trapping carbon, are now ingesting microplastics, impacting their efficacy in this carbon sequestration process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Artificial_Carbon_Sinks\"><\/span><strong>Artificial Carbon Sinks:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Artificial carbon sinks are human-engineered methods and technologies designed to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere or industrial sources. These innovative solutions aim to mitigate the impacts of climate change by reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases. Unlike natural carbon sinks, which occur organically in the environment, artificial carbon sinks are created and implemented through various technological interventions. Several initiatives fall under the umbrella of artificial carbon sinks, each with distinct methods and applications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"New_Building_Materials\"><\/span><em>New Building Materials:<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Innovative materials are being developed to absorb and store carbon as part of the construction process.<\/li><li>These materials can include carbon capture technologies embedded within building components, helping reduce emissions associated with construction.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Carbon_Capture_and_Storage_CCS\"><\/span><em>Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>CCS technologies capture CO2 emissions produced from industrial processes and power plants.<\/li><li>Captured CO2 is then transported and stored underground in geological formations, preventing its release into the atmosphere.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Direct_Air_Capture_DAC\"><\/span><em>Direct Air Capture (DAC):<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>DAC technologies directly capture CO2 from the ambient air, independent of its source.<\/li><li>Once captured, the CO2 can be stored underground or utilized for various purposes, such as synthetic fuel production.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Afforestation_and_Reforestation\"><\/span><em>Afforestation and Reforestation:<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Planting trees on a large scale (reforestation) or establishing new forests (afforestation) is a form of artificial carbon sink.<\/li><li>Trees absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, acting as carbon sinks by storing carbon in their biomass.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ocean-Based_Interventions\"><\/span><em>Ocean-Based Interventions:<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Research is ongoing into techniques like ocean alkalinity enhancement, which involves adding substances to the ocean to increase its ability to absorb and store CO2.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bioenergy_with_Carbon_Capture_and_Storage_BECCS\"><\/span><em>Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS):<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>BECCS combines bioenergy production (using plants for energy) with CCS.<\/li><li>Biomass plants absorb CO2 during growth, and when the biomass is burned for energy, the emissions are captured and stored.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Enhanced_Weathering\"><\/span><em>Enhanced Weathering:<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>This method involves accelerating natural weathering processes that remove CO2 from the atmosphere.<\/li><li>Minerals are ground into fine particles and spread over large areas, enhancing their interaction with CO2 to form stable carbonates.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"IMPORTANCE_OF_CARBON_SINKS\"><\/span><strong>IMPORTANCE OF CARBON SINKS<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Preserving ecosystems and habitats that function as crucial natural carbon sinks is imperative to maximize the retention of trapped carbon within the system, preventing them from turning into sources of carbon release into the atmosphere.<\/li><li>The effective management and protection of these natural carbon sinks play a pivotal role in determining whether they will function as carbon dioxide (CO2) sources or sinks in future climates.\u00a0<\/li><li>Human-induced activities, such as land-use changes and land degradation stemming from factors like forest fires, conversion of croplands, urban expansion, mining, and infrastructure development like roads, have substantially altered the structure and functionality of many ecosystems.<\/li><li>These alterations in ecosystems disrupt the delicate balance between natural carbon sources and carbon dioxide sinks.\u00a0<\/li><li>The consequences of such disruptions can lead to shifts in the role of these areas, influencing whether they act as carbon sinks or become potential sources of carbon emissions.\u00a0<\/li><li>This intricate interplay highlights the significance of adopting sustainable land-use practices and conservation measures to maintain the integrity of these ecosystems.<\/li><li>The repercussions of releasing trapped carbon as carbon dioxide are compounded by the concurrent release of other potent greenhouse gases, such as methane.\u00a0<\/li><li>This exacerbates the already precarious global climate situation, contributing to the acceleration of climate change.\u00a0<\/li><li>As such, the conservation and sustainable management of natural carbon sinks are fundamental components of broader efforts to mitigate climate change and ensure the long-term stability of the Earth&#8217;s climate system.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_TYPES_OF_CARBON_SINKS\"><\/span><strong>FAQs: TYPES OF CARBON SINKS<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q1_What_is_a_carbon_sink\"><\/span>Q1: What is a carbon sink?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: A carbon sink is any entity that absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases. It plays a vital role in maintaining desired carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q2_What_are_common_examples_of_carbon_sinks\"><\/span>Q2: What are common examples of carbon sinks?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Common carbon sinks include pristine soils, oceans, untapped fossil fuel reservoirs, and the photosynthesis process of terrestrial plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q3_How_do_forests_contribute_to_carbon_sequestration\"><\/span>Q3: How do forests contribute to carbon sequestration?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Forests, through photosynthesis, convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, playing a pivotal role in regulating CO2 levels. Approximately half of all carbon extracted from the atmosphere is attributed to photosynthesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q4_What_role_does_soil_play_as_a_carbon_sink\"><\/span>Q4: What role does soil play as a carbon sink?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Soil, rich in carbon, aids in creating fertile agricultural soil and water retention. Plants transfer CO2 to the soil through their roots, and Earth&#8217;s soil annually absorbs about a quarter of human emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q5_How_do_oceans_function_as_carbon_sinks\"><\/span>Q5: How do oceans function as carbon sinks?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Oceans absorb and store carbon, with roughly a quarter of carbon dioxide released since the Industrial Revolution being absorbed by the ocean. Phytoplankton, microscopic marine algae, are crucial in this carbon sequestration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q6_What_are_the_consequences_of_plastic_pollution_on_ocean_carbon_sinks\"><\/span>Q6: What are the consequences of plastic pollution on ocean carbon sinks?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Plastic pollution affects plankton, hindering their ability to trap carbon effectively, thereby impacting the ocean&#8217;s role as a carbon sink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q7_What_are_artificial_carbon_sinks\"><\/span>Q7: What are artificial carbon sinks?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Artificial carbon sinks are human-engineered methods and technologies designed to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere or industrial sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UPSC-Essay-Course-1280\u00d7300-1-3.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42688\" width=\"781\" height=\"182\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. Learn through Videos &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3vOD8sU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3Q9z2nF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>3. Daily Newsletter &#8211; Get all your Current Affairs Covered &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3bE2y5J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>4. Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\"><\/span>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Any entity that takes in more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases is identified as a carbon sink.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":32488,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[276],"tags":[2473,177,232,213,140],"class_list":["post-32484","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ecology-environment-general-studies","tag-carbon-sink","tag-general-studies-3","tag-upsc","tag-upsc-notes","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32484","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32484"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32484\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32489,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32484\/revisions\/32489"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32488"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32484"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32484"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32484"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}