Unlocking Carbon Storage Beyond Forests

Scientists Explore Alternative Methods to Store Carbon Dioxide

The quest for sustainable carbon storage has led researchers to explore methods beyond traditional forest-based solutions. A recent study sheds light on innovative approaches that can help mitigate climate change.

Researchers are looking beyond forests as a means of storing carbon dioxide, the primary cause of global warming. Traditional methods, such as reforestation and afforestation, have limitations in terms of scale and feasibility. Instead, scientists are investigating alternative methods, including:

* Coastal wetlands: These ecosystems can store significant amounts of carbon dioxide, with some studies suggesting they could sequester up to 10 gigatons of CO2 per year.
* Ocean fertilization: This method involves adding nutrients to the ocean to stimulate phytoplankton growth, which absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere.
* Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS): This technology uses biomass to generate electricity or heat while capturing the carbon dioxide emissions and storing it underground.

These innovative approaches have the potential to significantly contribute to global carbon storage efforts. However, further research is needed to determine their effectiveness and scalability. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, exploring alternative methods for carbon storage will be crucial in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the effects of global warming.

Source: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adw3259