Business
Net zero trajectory
By
UK Copywriter at Greenly
A carbon sink, often referred to as a carbon pool, is any system that absorbs more carbon than it releases, effectively removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and storing it in solid or liquid form. This process, known as carbon sequestration, is critical in mitigating the effects of climate change by reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Forest full of green trees
power plant at night
seaweed in the ocean
Carbon Reservoir | Description |
Atmospheric carbon | Carbon exists in the atmosphere primarily as carbon dioxide (CO2). Plants, through photosynthesis, absorb CO2, converting it into organic matter and releasing oxygen. This process is vital for life on Earth, providing the foundation of the food web. |
Carbon in the biosphere | Plants, animals, and microorganisms all contain carbon. When plants and animals die, their organic matter decomposes, returning carbon to the soil. Microorganisms play a crucial role in breaking down this organic matter, releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere through respiration. |
Carbon in the oceans | Oceans are significant carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. Marine organisms, like phytoplankton, use CO2 for photosynthesis, forming the base of the marine food web. Carbon also gets stored in the ocean’s depths, both in dissolved form and as part of marine sediments. |
Geological carbon | Over millions of years, carbon can become trapped in fossil fuels - coal, oil, and natural gas - formed from ancient plant and animal matter. Volcanic eruptions and the weathering of rocks also release carbon back into the atmosphere, while sedimentation traps it in geological formations. |
Human impact | Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, release significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, disrupting the natural carbon cycle. This increase in atmospheric CO2 contributes to global warming and climate change. |
youtube screenshot
youtube screenshot
Industrial power plant
people planting trees
