Home » Lesson 2: Sequestration – Part 1

Lesson 2 of 9

In Progress

← Previous

Lesson 2: Sequestration – Part 1

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

Understand what sequestration is
Be able to understand the different types of natural and artificial sequestration and how they work
Understand technologies of artificial sequestration
Understand applications for sequestration technologies in industry
Understand advantages and challenges for both natural and artificial sequestration

Video Duration: 20 minutes approximately

Lesson Notes

Introduction to Sequestration

Natural and artificial sequestration
Capturing and storing CO2 through a range of processes
Natural sequestration:
- Forests, soils, oceans, wetlands

Types of Natural Carbon Sinks

Forests
Soils
Oceans
Wetlands
Peatlands

Forests as Carbon Sinks

Photosynthesis:
- Plants capture CO2 and convert to biomass (trunks, branches, leaves, roots)
Forest soils accumulate organic matter: sequestration over long periods
Afforestation, reforestation, forest conservation are important techniques to preserve forest carbon sinks

For image see Reference Link 2.

Soils as Carbon Sinks

Photosynthesis roots and decaying plant matter soil
Microorganisms assist with decomposition
Agroforestry
Conservation agriculture
Soil organic carbon management

For image see Reference Link 3.

Oceans as Carbon Sinks

Physical and biological uptake:

Physical:
- Dissolves into seawater carbonic acid bicarbonate and carbonate ions
Biological:
- Marine organisms photosynthesise (take up CO2) organic matter deep-sea sediments

For image see Reference Link 4.

Wetlands and Peatlands as Carbon Sinks

Wetland/Peatland types:
- Swamps, marshes, and bogs
- Peatlands characterised by accumulation of peat soil
- Ability to store C over long periods
Low O2 levels slow decomposition process
Preserving and restoration

For image see Reference Link 5.

Enhancing Natural Sequestration

Humans can enhance the natural carbon sinks which we’ve discussed
Techniques include:
- Ecosystem restoration (e.g. reforestation, afforestation, wetland restoration)
- Sustainable land management (e.g. cover cropping, agroforestry)
- Conservation practices (e.g. protect existing forests, wetlands, peatlands from deforestation and degradation)

For image see Reference Link 6.

Advantages and Challenges of Natural Sequestration

Advantages:
- Naturally occurring carbon sink
- Promoting biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem health
Challenges: threats such as:
- Deforestation and land use changes
- Drainage and development
- Climate change
- Invasive species
NZ policies designed to protect against these threats

For image see Reference Link 7.

Conclusion

Introduced sequestration as a whole
Introduced some of the key natural carbon sinks:
- Forests
- Soils
- Oceans
- Wetlands and peatlands
Techniques to enhance natural sequestration:
- Ecosystem restoration
- Sustainable land management
- Conservation practices
Advantages and challenges of natural sequestration

Reference Links