Carbon sequestration, a process that involves the long-term storage of carbon in plants, soils, geologic formations, and the ocean, is being touted as an effective way to combat climate change. A recent study conducted in Maharashtra and Odisha suggests that soil carbon sequestration can help fight this pervasive issue and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13: Climate Action), which emphasizes urgent action against climate change and its impacts. The study found that a suitable combination of fertiliser, biochar, and irrigation could potentially raise soil carbon by up to 300%, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation.
Understanding Carbon Sequestration
Carbon sequestration naturally occurs through processes such as photosynthesis where trees and plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store it as carbon in soils and biomass (tree trunks, branches, foliage, and roots). This is referred to as terrestrial carbon sequestration.
The process can also occur via anthropogenic activities, known as geologic carbon sequestration, where CO2 is stored in oil reservoirs, gas reservoirs, unmineable coal seams, saline formations and shale formations with high organic content.
Lastly, there’s ocean carbon sequestration where oceans absorb, release and store massive quantities of CO2 from the atmosphere. Two notable methods are enhancing the productivity of ocean biological systems through iron fertilization and injecting CO2 into the deep ocean. Iron dumping boosts phytoplankton production which in turn elevates photosynthesis, aiding carbon absorption.
Methods of Carbon Sequestration
Carbon sequestration can be categorized into natural and artificial means. Natural carbon sequestration is an equilibrium-achieving process through which life-sustaining balance of carbon dioxide is maintained in our atmosphere. This happens as animals and plants expel carbon dioxide, much of which goes back into the ground when organisms die, thereby having minimal impact on global warming.
On the other hand, artificial carbon sequestration includes processes where carbon emissions are captured at the production point and then stored. Notable methods include ocean sequestration and geological sequestration.
Carbon Sequestration in Agriculture
Agriculture-based carbon sequestration, or carbon farming, could be a game-changer for climate action. By implementing practices that enhance CO2 removal from the atmosphere, carbon farming offers a new business model for agriculture—one that fights climate change, creates jobs, and improves profitability of farms.
Further, it is a holistic approach to optimizing carbon capture by incentivizing farmers to introduce regenerative practices in their agricultural processes. Besides improving soil health, it can result in improved quality and chemical-free food production models. It even opens up potential income avenues from carbon credits for marginalized farmers.
Relevance in Competitive Examinations
Understanding carbon sequestration is important from an examination perspective as well. For instance, in the 2012 UPSC Civil Services Examination, candidates were asked to identify agricultural practices that aid in carbon sequestration/storage in the soil. Similarly, the 2017 examination included a question on potential sites for carbon sequestration. Then in 2020, candidates were asked about the advantages of zero tillage in agriculture, which included the potential for carbon sequestration in the soil.
The insights provided by the study conducted in Maharashtra and Odisha shed light on how carbon sequestration can play a pivotal role in our fight against climate change, especially in the agricultural sector. Its potential for job creation, profitability improvement, and sustainable development make it an important area of focus for policymakers and stakeholders. With strategic implementation of carbon sequestration techniques, we can make significant strides towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Last Modified: February 18, 2024