What could be done to help increase natural carbon sinks?

Question

What might be the implications of natural carbon sinks slowing or reversing their uptake carbon?

 

Answer 1

Olivia,

 

In simplistic terms slowing of natural carbon sinks is increasing the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, reversing that trend would help the environment in terms of reduction of carbon dioxide concentration. However, if reversing their uptake implies further slowing then the same effect of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration would increase. If reversing implies that  emission of carbon dioxide from the sink itself then that is a likely threat to environment with a significant and unhealthy  increase in carbon dioxide concentration. In fact, there is substantial research that indicates that sinks can become the site of carbon emission.

 

You can further explore the information at Global Carbon Budget website.

 

Abundance of trees reduces atmospheric carbon dioxide and helps natural carbon sinks, likewise controlled emission would have the similar effect.

 

Hope it helps.