1. What is carbon sequestration, and how does it help in reducing global warming?
Answer:
Introduction:
Carbon sequestration refers to the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂). It is a critical method for mitigating the effects of global warming caused by excess greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Mechanism:
- Natural Methods: Photosynthesis in plants, oceanic absorption, and soil storage.
- Artificial Methods: Carbon capture and storage (CCS), mineral carbonation, and biochar production.
Role in Reducing Global Warming:
By decreasing CO₂ levels in the atmosphere, carbon sequestration reduces the greenhouse effect, thus mitigating temperature rises.
2. Explain the role of forests in carbon sequestration.
Answer:
Introduction:
Forests act as one of the largest natural carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂ during photosynthesis and storing it in biomass and soil.
Key Points:
- Trees and plants capture CO₂ and convert it into organic matter.
- Forest soil stores carbon in the form of decayed organic material.
- Deforestation reduces this ability, while afforestation enhances carbon storage capacity.
Conclusion:
Protecting and expanding forests are essential strategies for carbon sequestration and combating climate change.
3. What is the significance of soil in carbon sequestration?
Answer:
Introduction:
Soil is a significant reservoir for organic and inorganic carbon, playing a vital role in global carbon cycles.
Mechanisms:
- Organic carbon is stored through decayed plant and animal matter.
- Conservation practices like no-till farming and crop rotation increase soil carbon storage.
Significance:
- Improves soil fertility and agricultural productivity.
- Acts as a buffer against CO₂ emissions.
4. Discuss the concept of oceanic carbon sequestration.
Answer:
Introduction:
The oceans are the largest carbon sink, absorbing about 25% of global CO₂ emissions annually.
Mechanisms:
- Dissolution: CO₂ dissolves in seawater.
- Biological Pump: Phytoplankton absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis and sink to the ocean floor after death.
- Carbonate Formation: Marine organisms use CO₂ to form shells and skeletons.
Challenges:
Ocean acidification and potential ecosystem disturbances.
5. Describe the process and challenges of carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Answer:
Process:
- Capture: CO₂ is captured from industrial emissions or directly from the air.
- Transport: The captured CO₂ is transported to storage sites via pipelines or ships.
- Storage: CO₂ is stored in geological formations, such as depleted oil fields or saline aquifers.
Challenges:
- High costs of implementation.
- Risk of CO₂ leakage from storage sites.
- Limited public acceptance.
6. How do mangroves contribute to carbon sequestration?
Answer:
Mangroves are coastal ecosystems that store significant amounts of carbon in their biomass and soil.
Key Contributions:
- Absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis.
- Store organic carbon in submerged roots and soil.
- Act as a buffer against coastal erosion and climate change.
Importance:
Mangroves sequester more carbon per unit area than most terrestrial forests.
7. What is biochar, and how does it aid carbon sequestration?
Answer:
Definition:
Biochar is a form of charcoal produced by heating organic matter in the absence of oxygen.
Role in Carbon Sequestration:
- Locks carbon in a stable form for hundreds of years.
- Improves soil quality and fertility.
- Reduces methane and nitrous oxide emissions from soil.
8. Explain the impact of agricultural practices on carbon sequestration.
Answer:
Positive Practices:
- Conservation tillage, crop rotation, and agroforestry enhance soil carbon storage.
- Organic farming increases soil organic matter.
Negative Practices:
- Excessive tillage and monoculture farming lead to soil carbon loss.
Conclusion:
Sustainable agriculture is crucial for maximizing carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change.
9. What are the advantages of afforestation and reforestation in carbon sequestration?
Answer:
Afforestation: Planting trees in non-forested areas.
Reforestation: Replanting trees in deforested areas.
Advantages:
- Increases biomass for CO₂ absorption.
- Restores degraded ecosystems.
- Enhances biodiversity.
10. How does urban greening contribute to carbon sequestration?
Answer:
Urban greening includes planting trees, creating green roofs, and establishing parks in urban areas.
Benefits:
- Absorbs CO₂ emissions from urban activities.
- Reduces heat island effects.
- Promotes ecological balance in cities.
11. What is mineral carbonation in artificial carbon sequestration?
Answer:
Definition:
A process where CO₂ reacts with minerals like magnesium or calcium to form stable carbonates.
Advantages:
- Permanently stores carbon.
- Utilizes abundant raw materials.
Limitations:
- Energy-intensive.
- Requires extensive mining activities.
12. What are the environmental benefits of wetland restoration for carbon sequestration?
Answer:
Wetlands act as carbon sinks by storing organic matter in anaerobic conditions.
Benefits:
- Reduces CO₂ and methane emissions.
- Supports biodiversity.
- Prevents soil erosion.
13. What are the primary challenges in implementing carbon sequestration projects?
Answer:
- High initial costs.
- Technological limitations.
- Risk of CO₂ leakage.
- Lack of global policy support.
14. What is the role of phytoplankton in oceanic carbon sequestration?
Answer:
Phytoplankton absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis and form the base of the oceanic food web.
Key Roles:
- Sequester CO₂ in biomass.
- Sink carbon to deep ocean when they die.
15. How does carbon sequestration affect soil fertility?
Answer:
Carbon-rich soil improves fertility by enhancing nutrient availability, water retention, and microbial activity.
16. Discuss the role of bamboo in carbon sequestration.
Answer:
Bamboo grows rapidly and absorbs more CO₂ than most trees. It stores carbon in its biomass and soil, making it an effective carbon sink.
17. What is the Kyoto Protocol’s relevance to carbon sequestration?
Answer:
The Kyoto Protocol encourages carbon sequestration projects to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets through afforestation, reforestation, and soil management.
18. How does deforestation impact carbon sequestration?
Answer:
Deforestation releases stored carbon in biomass and soil, reducing the planet’s capacity to sequester CO₂, thus accelerating global warming.
19. Explain the concept of carbon offsets through sequestration.
Answer:
Carbon offsets allow entities to invest in carbon sequestration projects, such as reforestation, to compensate for their emissions.
20. What are blue carbon ecosystems, and how do they sequester carbon?
Answer:
Blue carbon ecosystems include mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes that store carbon in biomass and sediment. They are vital for reducing atmospheric CO₂ levels.
