What Is Carbon Sequestration?

Carbon sequestration is a way of pulling carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the atmosphere and storing it somewhere else. Think of it as helping the planet breathe a bit easier by removing some of the excess CO2 that’s making things too warm.

How does it work?

There are two main approaches. Natural carbon sequestration happens when plants - especially trees - absorb CO2 as they grow. The carbon becomes part of the plant and the soil around it. Oceans do this too, absorbing huge quantities of CO2 naturally.

Artificial carbon sequestration uses human-made methods to capture CO2 directly from the air or from industrial sources like factories, before it’s released into the atmosphere. Once captured, the CO2 is stored underground - in old oil and gas fields, or in natural formations called deep saline aquifers.

Why does it matter?

Too much CO2 in the atmosphere traps heat, and that’s warming the planet. Sequestration removes some of that excess and stores it away, which can help slow down climate change. It’s not a silver bullet on its own, but combined with reducing emissions, it’s an important piece of the puzzle.

What can your business actually do?

Artificial sequestration is complex and still developing, but the principle of carbon removal is central to any serious sustainability effort. There are practical things every business can focus on right now.

Start with reducing emissions at source. Switch to renewable energy like solar and wind. Encourage alternatives to driving - cycling, public transport - and consider investing in electric vehicle fleets. Improve energy efficiency across your buildings and operations.

Educate your team. Hold sustainability workshops, share resources, and encourage sustainable habits at work and beyond. People who understand the challenge are more likely to act on it.

Focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling materials in your operations. Less waste means fewer emissions and lower energy consumption. Our guide on the circular economy covers this in more detail.

And invest in nature. Planting trees around your premises or supporting larger reforestation projects makes a tangible difference. It’s one of the simplest and most effective forms of natural carbon sequestration there is.

Carbon sequestration is one piece of a much bigger puzzle. If you’re working on your broader sustainability strategy and want practical help getting there, we’d love to talk. Learn more about our Sustainability & Circular Economy work.

You can also access the Sustainability Decoded GPT here, which will support you with initial advice and inspiration to initiate or accelerate sustainability within your business.

Further Reading

• Carbon Accounting
• The Circular Economy.