In the face of growing climate change concerns, the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has never been more pressing. While efforts to transition to renewable energy sources and increase energy efficiency are crucial steps in combating climate change, carbon sequestration presents a promising strategy to further mitigate the effects of rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. By capturing and storing carbon emissions from various sources, carbon sequestration has the potential to play a significant role in reducing carbon pollution and curbing global warming.
Understanding carbon sequestration
Carbon sequestration encompasses a range of technologies and processes designed to capture carbon dioxide emissions and prevent them from entering the atmosphere. One of the most commonly used methods is carbon capture and storage, which involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial facilities, power plants, and other sources, and storing them underground in geological formations. Another approach is nature-based carbon sequestration, which utilises forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems to absorb and store carbon through photosynthesis and soil sequestration.
Mitigating climate change impacts
The deployment of carbon sequestration technologies offers significant benefits in the fight against climate change. By capturing carbon dioxide emissions before they are released into the atmosphere, carbon sequestration helps reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases, thereby slowing the rate of global warming. Additionally, carbon sequestration can help offset hard-to-avoid emissions from industries such as cement production, steel manufacturing, and heavy transportation, enabling these sectors to decarbonise effectively and transition to a low-carbon future.
Enhancing ecosystem resilience
Nature-based carbon sequestration plays a critical role in not only mitigating climate change but also enhancing ecosystem resilience and biodiversity. Restoring degraded landscapes, conserving forests, and promoting sustainable land management practices can significantly increase carbon storage capacities in natural ecosystems. This, in turn, contributes to climate change mitigation efforts while bolstering ecosystem services, such as water purification, soil fertility, and wildlife habitat preservation.
