What is carbon sequestration?

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to reduce its concentration in the atmosphere. This helps mitigate global warming and climate change. It involves both natural processes, like photosynthesis by plants and absorption by oceans, and artificial methods, such as capturing CO2 from industrial emissions and injecting it deep underground. The goal is to prevent CO2 from re-entering the atmosphere for extended periods, contributing to long-term climate stability.

How does afforestation contribute to carbon sequestration?

Afforestation, the planting of trees on land that has not been forested for a long time, directly contributes to carbon sequestration by increasing the Earth's natural carbon sinks. As trees grow, they absorb CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, converting it into biomass (wood, leaves, roots) and storing it. This carbon remains locked in the trees and the soil as long as the forest stands. Large-scale afforestation projects significantly enhance the capacity of terrestrial ecosystems to remove and store atmospheric carbon, playing a vital role in climate change mitigation.

What are blue carbon ecosystems?

Blue carbon ecosystems are coastal and marine habitats, primarily mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass beds, that are exceptionally efficient at capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere and oceans. They sequester carbon in their biomass and, more significantly, in their underlying sediments, often at rates much higher than terrestrial forests. The anaerobic conditions in these waterlogged soils slow down decomposition, allowing carbon to be stored for millennia. These ecosystems also provide critical co-benefits such as coastal protection, biodiversity habitat, and support for fisheries.

What is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technological process that involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from large point sources, such as power plants and industrial facilities, before they are released into the atmosphere. The captured CO2 is then compressed, transported, and injected deep underground into suitable geological formations (e.g., depleted oil/gas reservoirs or saline aquifers) for long-term storage. CCS is considered a crucial technology for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors and achieving net-zero emission targets, though it faces challenges related to cost, energy consumption, and storage permanence.

How is India addressing carbon sequestration in its climate policy?

India is addressing carbon sequestration primarily through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, committing to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. Key policy frameworks include the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), particularly the National Mission for a Green India (GIM) and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). Recent initiatives like the MISHTI scheme for mangrove restoration and the Green Credit Program further bolster India's efforts in enhancing both green and blue carbon sinks.

What are the challenges in implementing carbon sequestration projects?

Implementing carbon sequestration projects faces several challenges. For biological methods, key issues include ensuring permanence (vulnerability to fires, deforestation), land availability, and social equity concerns related to land acquisition. For technological methods like CCS, challenges include high capital and operational costs, significant energy requirements ('energy penalty'), the need for extensive infrastructure, and public perception regarding safety and long-term storage integrity. Accurate monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of sequestered carbon also remain complex and costly across all methods.

What is the role of soil organic carbon in climate mitigation?

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a vital role in climate mitigation by storing large quantities of carbon in agricultural and forest soils. Healthy soils, rich in organic matter, can sequester significant amounts of atmospheric CO2. Practices like no-till farming, cover cropping, agroforestry, and the use of organic amendments enhance soil organic matter, thereby increasing SOC levels. This not only removes CO2 from the atmosphere but also improves soil fertility, water retention, and overall ecosystem health, contributing to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.

What is the difference between carbon capture and carbon removal?

Carbon capture typically refers to technologies that prevent CO2 from entering the atmosphere by capturing it at the source (e.g., power plants) or directly from the air (Direct Air Capture). Carbon removal is a broader term encompassing all activities that remove CO2 from the atmosphere and durably store it. While carbon capture is a component of carbon removal, the latter also includes nature-based solutions like afforestation and soil carbon enhancement. The key distinction lies in the source: capture often targets point-source emissions, while removal aims at atmospheric CO2 regardless of its origin.

How does biochar contribute to soil carbon sequestration?

Biochar is a charcoal-like material produced from biomass pyrolysis (heating in the absence of oxygen). When added to soil, it significantly enhances carbon sequestration because it is highly stable and resistant to decomposition, allowing carbon to remain stored for hundreds to thousands of years. Beyond carbon storage, biochar improves soil fertility, water retention, and nutrient availability, making it a promising tool for sustainable agriculture and climate mitigation. It transforms unstable organic carbon into a more stable form, preventing its rapid return to the atmosphere.

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India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, submitted to the UNFCCC, states: 'To create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.' This commitment underscores the nation's strategic reliance on nature-based solutions, particularly afforestation and reforestation, as a cornerstone of its c…

Quick Summary

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to mitigate climate change. It is broadly categorized into natural (biological) and artificial (geological/technological) methods.

Natural sequestration leverages ecosystems like forests, soils, mangroves, and seagrass beds to absorb CO2 through photosynthesis and store it in biomass and sediments. India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement commit to creating an additional carbon sink of 2.

5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through increased forest and tree cover by 2030, highlighting the nation's reliance on these nature-based solutions. Key Indian policies like the National Mission for a Green India (GIM) and the MISHTI scheme for mangrove restoration are central to this effort.

Artificial sequestration involves technologies like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), where CO2 from industrial sources or directly from the air is captured and injected into deep geological formations.

While more expensive, CCS is crucial for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. Challenges include ensuring permanence of storage, high costs, scalability, and social acceptance. Recent developments, such as India's Green Credit Program and global recognition of CCUS at COP28, underscore the evolving landscape of carbon sequestration as an indispensable tool for achieving net-zero emissions and fostering sustainable development.

Understanding these methods, India's policy framework, and associated challenges is vital for UPSC aspirants.

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Key Facts & Vyyuha Quick Recall:

Definition: — Capturing & storing atmospheric CO2.

Types: — Biological (Nature-based), Geological, Technological.

India's NDC Target: — Add. carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes CO2e by 2030 (forest/tree cover).

FSI 2021: — Total forest & tree cover 80.9 million ha; Carbon stock 7,204 million tonnes.

Blue Carbon: — Mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass (high efficiency).

Green Carbon: — Forests, soils.

Key Schemes: — GIM, MISHTI, NMSA.

Key Acts: — Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980/2023; Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022.

Vyyuha Quick Recall (FOREST):

* F - Forests & Afforestation * O - Ocean & Blue Carbon * R - Reforestation & Restoration * E - Enhanced Soil Carbon * S - Sustainable Agriculture * T - Technological Solutions (CCS/DAC)

Vyyuha Quick Recall: FOREST

F — Forests & Afforestation (Green Carbon, GIM, FSI data)

O — Ocean & Blue Carbon (Mangroves, Seagrass, MISHTI Scheme)

R — Reforestation & Restoration (Replanting degraded forest land)

E — Enhanced Soil Carbon (No-till, Cover Cropping, NMSA)

S — Sustainable Agriculture (Agroforestry, Biochar, Soil health)

T — Technological Solutions (CCS, DAC, Industrial Capture)

Carbon Sequestration

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