Burn less, Store more - How?

Introduction

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending a lecture by Professor Myles Allen at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, where he spoke on the concept of Geographical Net Zero. This thought-provoking discussion highlighted that to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, "we need to stop fossil fuels from causing global warming - before the world stops using fossil fuels". Pause and read this statement again. It makes sense as we try and achieve a durable net zero as we can’t just turn off the tap. And the only way to do this is the safe and permanent disposal of 100% of the carbon dioxide we generate…. which is Geological Net Zero.

As I travelled back home to Wales by train, passing through the beautiful salt marshes and mudflats of Carmarthen Bay, I was struck by the role these natural landscapes play as carbon sinks. It reinforced the urgency of protecting and leveraging natural carbon sinks as part of our broader climate strategy.

Geographical Net Zero: An Overview

Geographical Net Zero refers to achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and the amount removed from the atmosphere within a specific geographic area. This concept is crucial in our fight against climate change, as it focuses on localized efforts to reduce emissions and enhance carbon sequestration. Professor Allen emphasized that achieving Net Zero is not just about reducing emissions but also involves managing the carbon cycle through natural and technological means.

One key takeaway from the lecture was the distinction between carbon neutrality and Net Zero. While carbon neutrality can be achieved by offsetting emissions elsewhere, Net Zero requires that the emissions balance be struck within the defined geographic boundaries. This approach promotes accountability and encourages the development of localized solutions, such as renewable energy projects, carbon dioxide removal and underground storage by deliberate human activities and the protection of natural habitats that act as carbon sinks.

The Vital Role of Natural Carbon Sinks

Natural carbon sinks, such as forests, wetlands, peatlands, and coastal ecosystems, play an essential role in sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. These ecosystems absorb more carbon than they release, thus helping to mitigate the impact of human-induced emissions. The salt marshes and mudflats I observed during my journey back to Wales are prime examples of such carbon sinks. These areas are not only rich in biodiversity but also incredibly efficient at storing carbon in their vegetation and soil.

For instance, coastal wetlands, including marshes and mangroves, are known for their high carbon sequestration potential. They trap organic material in their soils, which can remain stored for centuries. Similarly, peatlands, which cover only 3% of the Earth's land surface, store twice as much carbon as all the world's forests combined. This underscores the importance of conserving and restoring these ecosystems as part of our climate strategy.

The Need for Protection and Restoration

Despite their critical role, natural carbon sinks are under threat from human activities such as deforestation, land-use changes, and pollution. The degradation of these ecosystems not only releases stored carbon but also diminishes their capacity to sequester carbon in the future. Protecting and restoring natural carbon sinks is therefore a vital component of achieving Geographical Net Zero.

In the UK, initiatives like the restoration of peatlands and the protection of coastal wetlands are already underway, contributing to national carbon sequestration goals. However, these efforts must be scaled up and supported by robust policies and funding. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and local communities is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of these ecosystems.

Conclusion

Achieving Geographical Net Zero is a complex but necessary goal in our fight against climate change. As highlighted by Professor Myles Allen, it requires a multifaceted approach that includes emission reductions, technological innovations, and the protection of natural carbon sinks.

The global fossil fuel industry accounts for about 90% of the worlds carbon emissions. It also has the technical and financial capability to decarbonise fossil fuels. It must decarbonise itself.

The marshes and mudflats of Wales, and similar ecosystems around the world, are invaluable assets in this endeavour. By recognizing and investing in the preservation of these natural landscapes, we can make significant strides towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

As we move forward, let us remember that the journey to Net Zero is not just about cutting emissions but also about respecting and harnessing the natural systems that support life on Earth. The protection of natural carbon sinks is not merely an environmental issue; it is a critical strategy for the health and well-being of our planet and future generations.

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