What are carbon sinks are why do they matter?

As someone who is deeply committed to sustainability in an organization that is continually challenging itself to identify the most effective ways to protect the environment, natural carbon sinks play an important role in absorbing carbon dioxide (C02). In this edition of Green Matters, I will explore the amount of CO2 absorbed by some of the most effective carbon sinks on the planet – forests, peatlands, wetlands, oceans, and farmland.

Forests are one of the most important carbon sinks on the planet.

On average, a single acre of forest can absorb up to 8 metric tons of CO2 each year. Trees absorb CO2 through photosynthesis and store it in their biomass. Forests also play a vital role in preserving biodiversity, protecting watersheds, and mitigating the impact of climate change. However, despite their vital importance, forests around the world are under threat from deforestation, and other human activities. That's why it's so important we take action to protect and restore forests.

Peatlands are another highly effective carbon sink.

Peatlands can absorb up to 12 metric tons of CO2 per acre each year, making them some of the most efficient carbon storage facilities. Peatlands are formed by the accumulation of dead plant material in waterlogged areas, which decomposes very slowly due to the lack of oxygen. As a result, peatlands store vast amounts of carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Unfortunately, many peatlands around the world are at risk due to human activities such as drainage and peat extraction.

Wetlands are an underrated carbon sink that can absorb up to 6 metric tons of CO2 per acre each year.

Wetlands are unique ecosystems that are characterized by water-logged soils which create an environment rich in organic matter. This organic matter serves as a carbon sink as it absorbs and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Wetlands are also home to a vast array of plant and animal species, making them some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. By preserving wetlands and implementing sustainable land management practices, we can help ensure they continue to play a vital role in absorbing CO2.

The world's oceans are some of the most important and effective carbon sinks on the planet.

They absorb around 25% of the carbon dioxide that humans release into the atmosphere each year This amounts to roughly 2.6 billion metric tons of CO2 being absorbed by our oceans annually. Surprisingly, oceans, like forests need this CO2. However, as we pollute, overfish, and damage the health of our oceans, it substantially reduces ocean's natural ecosystem. This ocean damage and acidification are putting stress on marine ecosystems and causing them to become less effective at absorbing CO2. It’s essential we take action to protect our oceans and ensure their continued ability to act as carbon sinks.

Farmland is another important carbon sink that can absorb up to 3 metric tons of CO2 per acre each year.

Plants absorb CO2 through photosynthesis and store it in their biomass. The effectiveness of farmland as a carbon sink depends on the types of crops that are grown and the management practices used. For example, regenerative agriculture techniques such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage can help to build healthy soils that are more effective at storing carbon. In addition, sustainable land management practices such as agroforestry and conservation agriculture can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change.

A key focus for Green Impact Partners is help farmers manage waste in ways that also helps them to improve their land management practices and water usage. In addition to ensuring the CO2 is captured through the farming process, we capture the methane from waste which is 84 times worse than CO2 as a greenhouse gas.

Protecting and restoring these natural carbon sinks is crucial for maintaining a healthy planet. By reducing our impact and implementing sustainable practices on land and at sea, we can help to ensure the continued ability of these systems to absorb CO2.

This is not to say that reducing our impact and reducing the emissions released into the atmosphere isn't vitally important. It is! However, if we do the right thing – protecting all of the carbon sinks I discussed here – it’s almost always cheaper than using technology and massive carbon capture infrastructure. And, it can be extremely effective with a much faster impact.

Jesse Douglas