Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide — the most commonly produced greenhouse gas — and storing it in the Earth. Most of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is formed by the combustion of fossil fuels, primarily coal and petroleum.
There are three types of carbon sequestration: biological, geological and technological. Biological carbon sequestration is the storage of carbon dioxide in vegetation found in the oceans, soils, forests and grasslands. Geological carbon sequestration is the process of storing carbon in underground geologic formations, like rocks. Technological carbon sequestration is a range of methods scientists are exploring to remove and sequester carbon using new technological innovations, as well as the investigation of innovative ways to use the carbon as a resource.
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In less than 200 years, human activities have increased the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere by 50 percent. Around 45 percent of the carbon dioxide emitted by humans is still in the atmosphere, but carbon sequestration can prevent further emissions from contributing to global heating. Carbon sequestration reduces carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, which slows planetary warming and its negative effects on the climate.
