Carbon Sequestration

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate or defer climate change. In marine contexts, it involves storage in oceanic habitats like kelp forests and blue carbon ecosystems.

What is Carbon Sequestration?

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) to reduce its concentration in the atmosphere and mitigate climate change.

Why is Carbon Sequestration Important?

It helps offset greenhouse gas emissions, slows global warming, and supports efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

What are the Main Types of Carbon Sequestration?

Biological: Capturing CO₂ through natural processes like photosynthesis in forests, soils, and marine ecosystems.
Geological: Injecting CO₂ into underground rock formations for long-term storage.
Technological: Using engineered solutions like Direct Air Capture (DAC) to remove CO₂ from the air.
Biological Carbon Sequestration

What is Blue Carbon?

Blue carbon refers to the carbon captured by marine and coastal ecosystems like mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes.

How Do Forests Sequester Carbon?

Trees absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis and store it in their trunks, roots, and surrounding soil. Forests act as critical carbon sinks.

How Does the Ocean Sequester Carbon?

Ocean naturally absorb CO₂, where it can be used by phytoplankton, dissolved into the water, or stored in deep-sea sediments over long periods. We are supporting Dr Caitlin Blain’s Blue Carbon research into quantifying how much carbon is sequestered by kelp forests and what happens to it long-term. Learn more about her work here.