Why is carbon sequestration gaining traction as a mitigation strategy?

Carbon sequestration is gaining traction as a mitigation strategy due to its potential to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

Carbon sequestration refers to the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. This can be achieved through natural or artificial methods. Natural methods include reforestation and soil management, while artificial methods involve technologies that capture CO2 directly from the air or at the point of emission, such as power plants. The stored CO2 is then either used for industrial purposes or securely stored underground.

The increasing interest in carbon sequestration is largely driven by the urgent need to mitigate climate change. As the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere continues to rise, largely due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, the planet's temperature is also increasing. This global warming is leading to a range of negative impacts, including more frequent and severe weather events, sea-level rise, and loss of biodiversity. By removing CO2 from the atmosphere, carbon sequestration can help to slow down or even reverse these trends.

Moreover, carbon sequestration is seen as a particularly attractive mitigation strategy because it can be used in conjunction with a transition to renewable energy sources. While renewable energy can reduce future CO2 emissions, it cannot remove the CO2 that is already in the atmosphere. Carbon sequestration can fill this gap by actively reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.

Furthermore, carbon sequestration can also provide economic opportunities. For example, the captured CO2 can be used in industries such as agriculture, where it can enhance plant growth, or in the production of synthetic fuels. This potential for 'carbon capture and utilisation' (CCU) is another reason why carbon sequestration is gaining traction.

However, it's important to note that carbon sequestration is not a silver bullet for climate change. While it can play a crucial role in mitigation, it must be part of a broader strategy that also includes reducing emissions at their source and adapting to the changes that are already occurring. Additionally, there are still technical and economic challenges to be overcome, particularly for artificial sequestration methods. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of carbon sequestration make it a promising and increasingly popular strategy for mitigating climate change.