carbon sequestration: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic, Technical, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “carbon sequestration” mean?
The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Any natural or artificial process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it for long periods, often to mitigate climate change.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or form. The spelling 'sequestration' is consistent.
Connotations
Primarily a technical/positive term in environmental contexts.
Frequency
Equally common in scientific and policy discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “carbon sequestration” in a Sentence
[Noun] is a form of carbon sequestration.Carbon sequestration [verb: involves/requires] capturing CO2.to achieve carbon sequestration through [noun].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “carbon sequestration” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The forest will sequester a significant amount of carbon over the century.
- Efforts are focused on sequestering industrial emissions.
American English
- The new technology aims to sequester carbon dioxide from power plants.
- Healthy soils can sequester more carbon.
adverb
British English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The peatland has high sequestration potential.
- A sequestration project has been approved for the North Sea.
American English
- The bill includes sequestration tax credits.
- Scientists measured the soil's sequestration capacity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in ESG reports and corporate sustainability strategies.
Academic
A core concept in climate science, environmental engineering, and ecology papers.
Everyday
Used in news articles about climate change solutions.
Technical
Detailed in texts on bioremediation, soil science, and carbon capture technology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “carbon sequestration”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “carbon sequestration”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carbon sequestration”
- Confusing 'sequestration' with 'sequestrum' (a medical term). Using it as a verb directly (e.g., 'We will sequestration carbon'); the correct verb is 'sequester'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Carbon capture' typically refers to the initial step of trapping CO2 from emission sources. 'Carbon sequestration' includes the capture AND the long-term storage of that carbon.
Forests sequester carbon naturally as trees grow, storing carbon in their biomass and in the soil.
It is a critical tool for mitigating climate change by reducing atmospheric CO2 levels, but it must be combined with drastic emission reductions to potentially reverse some effects.
Potential risks include CO2 leakage back into the atmosphere, induced seismicity (earthquakes), and contamination of groundwater resources if not managed properly.
The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Carbon sequestration is usually academic, technical, journalistic in register.
Carbon sequestration: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɑː.bən ˌsiː.kwesˈtreɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːr.bən ˌsiː.kwesˈtreɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tree as a 'sequester' (like a secluded place) for carbon—it isolates carbon from the air and locks it away.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE ATMOSPHERE IS A BANK (we make carbon deposits and withdrawals). CARBON SEQUESTRATION IS PUTTING MONEY INTO A SAVINGS ACCOUNT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary goal of carbon sequestration?