What are natural CO₂ sinks?

Definition of CO₂ sinks

CO₂ sinks (also known as carbon sinks) are natural or artificial reservoirs that absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they release. These sinks play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle by helping to reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and thus mitigate climate change. 

The most important natural CO₂ sinks include forests, oceans, moors and soils. One artificial CO₂ sink is Direct Air Capture and Storage (DACCS): a technical-chemical process that removes carbon dioxide from the air. Another artificial CO₂ sink is bio-energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). This refers to a process in which biomass is used in industrial processes and the resulting CO₂ is captured and permanently stored.

The role of CO₂ sinks in climate protection

CO₂ sinks are essential for achieving climate targets as they provide a natural mechanism for reducing global warming. By storing CO₂, they help to improve the balance between the emissions that are released into the atmosphere and those that are removed from it.

Importance of forests, oceans and peatlands as CO₂ sinks

• Forests: Trees and plants extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their wood, roots and soil. Through photosynthesis, they convert the CO₂ into oxygen and thus actively contribute to reducing the CO₂ concentration.
• Oceans: The oceans absorb around a quarter of man-made CO₂ emissions. Surface water removes CO₂ from the air, which is transported to the depths of the oceans by ocean currents and mixing processes. In addition, plants such as sea grasses, plankton and algae use photosynthesis to convert CO₂ into oxygen, similar to plants on land.
• ‍Moorsand soils: Moors have the ability to sequester carbon. They cover around three percent of the world's land area and yet store twice as much carbon as forests combined. Moors consist of water, peat and plants. The plants absorb the CO₂, which after dying off migrates into the peat layer where it is deposited and compacted.

The problem: CO₂ sinks can become sources of CO₂

The natural CO₂ sinks only store carbon dioxide as long as they are intact. Human interventions such as deforestation, agricultural use or the draining of wetlands turn the CO₂ sinks into CO₂ sources. Forests that are cut down or destroyed by forest fires release the stored CO₂ again. The same applies to the drainage of moors or the warming of the oceans. As soon as CO₂ sinks release their stored CO₂, they contribute to the acceleration of climate change .

Carbon sinks and corporate responsibility

Companies can make a significant contribution to climate protection by investing in the preservation and restoration of carbon sinks . This includes measures such as 

• Reforestation projects, 
• Forest protection, 
• Supporting sustainable agricultural and forestry practices
• and the restoration of wetlands and permafrost soils. 

Such initiatives not only store CO₂, but also promote biodiversity and strengthen ecosystem resilience.

Corporate strategy: strengthening CO₂ sinks

he integration of carbon sinks into the corporate strategy offers an effective opportunity to actively participate in climate protection and improve one's own sustainability balance at the same time. By supporting projects aimed at protecting and expanding carbon sinks, companies can make a decisive contribution to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrate their social responsibility at the same time.

Planted enables companies to promote CO₂ sinks

With Planted, we plant trees for your company in Germany and promote the forest ecosystem with its important protective functions as a CO₂ reservoir, drinking water reservoir, air filter and habitat for many species. Would you like to plant your own company forest near your location ? We look forward to hearing from you.

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