Biogenic Carbon Removal
Removal of CO₂ by biological processes, often in natural ecosystems.
What is Biogenic Carbon Removal?
Biogenic carbon removal refers to the capture and storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide by biological processes, primarily through photosynthesis in living organisms. This encompasses a wide range of nature-based solutions, where CO₂ is absorbed by plants and stored in biomass (trees, crops) and soils.
Why is Biogenic Carbon Removal important?
Biogenic carbon removal is vital for climate change mitigation because natural ecosystems like forests, grasslands, and wetlands are enormous carbon sinks. Enhancing these natural processes through sustainable land management offers a scalable, cost-effective pathway to draw down atmospheric CO₂ while providing significant biodiversity and ecosystem co-benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
Examples include afforestation, reforestation, improved forestry management, soil carbon sequestration in agriculture, peatland restoration, and blue carbon initiatives (mangroves, seagrasses).
Biogenic removal relies on natural biological processes, often enhancing existing ecosystems. Technological removal uses engineered systems like Direct Air Capture to chemically extract CO₂.
Permanence in biogenic removal can be vulnerable to reversal events like wildfires, disease outbreaks, or land-use changes. Careful management, monitoring, and risk mitigation are crucial.