Karbonvisszatartó

Karbonvisszatartó, meaning carbon sequestering in Hungarian, refers to the process by which carbon dioxide (CO2) is removed from the atmosphere and stored in natural or artificial reservoirs. This is a crucial concept in the global effort to mitigate climate change, as atmospheric CO2 is a primary greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.

Natural carbon sequestration occurs through various biological and geological processes. Plants, through photosynthesis, absorb CO2 from the air and store it in their biomass (leaves, stems, roots). Forests, particularly old-growth forests, are significant carbon sinks. The oceans also play a vital role, absorbing vast amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere, which is then stored in marine organisms and sediments. Geological sequestration involves storing CO2 in underground rock formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs or deep saline aquifers.

Technological approaches to carbon sequestration, often termed Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), aim to capture CO2 emissions from industrial sources like power plants and chemical facilities before they are released into the atmosphere. This captured CO2 is then transported and injected deep underground for long-term storage.

The effectiveness and permanence of different carbon sequestration methods are subjects of ongoing research and debate. While natural processes are largely self-sustaining, engineered solutions require significant investment and energy. Understanding and enhancing carbon sequestration is a key strategy in achieving net-zero emissions and stabilizing the Earth's climate.