CARBON SEQUESTRATION Meaning and
Definition
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Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, primarily to mitigate climate change. It involves removing carbon from the atmosphere and preserving it in a stable form to prevent its release back into the atmosphere. This process is crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stabilizing the global climate.
There are natural and artificial methods of carbon sequestration. Natural carbon sequestration occurs through natural processes like photosynthesis, where plants absorb CO2 and convert it into organic matter, locking it away in plants, trees, and soils. Oceans also play a role, as they absorb and store large amounts of CO2 through a process called carbon dioxide dissolution.
Artificial carbon sequestration methods, on the other hand, are human-engineered techniques. These methods include capturing CO2 emissions from industrial processes, power plants, and other sources, and subsequently injecting and storing them underground, often in geological formations like depleted oil reservoirs or deep saline aquifers. Carbon sequestration can also occur through the planting of trees and other vegetation, which absorb CO2 through photosynthesis and store it in their biomass.
Overall, carbon sequestration is a critical strategy to combat climate change by reducing and offsetting CO2 emissions. It plays a pivotal role in achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable development by effectively removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and maintaining their storage over a prolonged period.
Etymology of CARBON SEQUESTRATION
The word "carbon sequestration" is derived from the combination of "carbon" and "sequestration".
1. Carbon: The term "carbon" traces its origin back to the Latin word "carbo" meaning "coal" or "charcoal". It entered the English language in the late 18th century, referring to the chemical element with the atomic number 6, which is fundamental to all organic life forms and many inorganic substances.
2. Sequestration: The word "sequestration" comes from the Latin verb "sequestrare", which means "to place in safekeeping" or "to separate". The action of sequestering involves removing or isolating something. In the context of carbon sequestration, it emphasizes the technique of capturing carbon dioxide and storing it in a way that it is removed from the atmosphere and prevented from contributing to climate change.
Idioms with the word CARBON SEQUESTRATION
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carbon sequestration
The idiom "carbon sequestration" refers to the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. It involves various techniques that remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it for a long period, either underground, in plants and trees, or through other natural or artificial means. Carbon sequestration acts as a strategy to reduce the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere and prevent its release into the environment.
