Carbon Sequestration

Background

Carbon sequestration is a critical process in the broader framework of addressing global climate change. It involves the capture and storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), which is one of the primary greenhouse gases contributing to global warming and climate change. This process plays a vital role in mitigating the negative impacts of elevated CO2 levels and aids in the transition towards more sustainable environmental practices.

Historical Context

The concept of carbon sequestration has gained significant attention over the past few decades, especially as concerns about climate change have increased. Early discussions around this idea date back to the 1970s and 1980s when scientists began to recognize the accumulating evidence linking CO2 emissions to global climate change. Policies and practices around carbon sequestration have evolved significantly since then, though economic feasibility remains a pressing issue that impacts the implementation of large-scale sequestration projects.

Definitions and Concepts

Carbon sequestration refers to the various processes through which CO2 is captured and stored in order to prevent its release into the atmosphere. There are primarily two key methods:

1. Capture at Source: This involves capturing CO2 emissions at their point of origin, such as the chimney of a power plant, and storing the CO2 in an appropriate reservoir.

2. Carbon Sinks: Enhancing natural systems that absorb more CO2 than they release, such as forests (through afforestation and reforestation), soils, and oceans.

Sequestration acts as an adjunct to policies aiming to reduce the emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs), aiming for an overall decrease in atmospheric GHG concentrations.

Major Analytical Frameworks

Classical Economics

In classical economics, resources are allocated based on market mechanisms primarily driven by supply and demand. Classical theorists may view carbon sequestration projects through the lens of their cost-effectiveness and the extent to which they contribute to minimizing externalities like pollution.

Neoclassical Economics

Neoclassical economists focus on the equilibrium and utility maximization, analyzing carbon sequestration through cost-benefit analyses, evaluating its impact on social welfare, and considering the marginal costs and benefits associated with these processes.

Keynesian Economics

Keynesians might emphasize the role of government intervention in promoting carbon sequestration technologies, particularly in addressing market failures and stimulating green investments through public spending and tax incentives.

Marxian Economics

From a Marxian perspective, environmental actions like carbon sequestration may be analyzed in terms of how they intersect with capitalist modes of production and class relations, evaluating who benefits from the sequestration technologies and policies.

Institutional Economics

Institutional economists focus on the roles institutions and norms play in shaping economic behavior. Regarding carbon sequestration, they assess the effectiveness of different organizational and policy structures in facilitating or hindering its implementation.

Behavioral Economics

Behavioral economists would study the cognitive biases, perceptions, and incentives that influence the adoption and public support for carbon sequestration practices and technologies.

Post-Keynesian Economics

Post-Keynesians may look into how uncertainty, historical processes, and macroeconomic policies impact carbon sequestration efforts, stressing the importance of government and public sector involvement.

Austrian Economics

Austrian economists might scrutinize the decentralized approaches to carbon sequestration, favoring market-based solutions and innovation driven by entrepreneurial activities as long as property rights and economic freedom are maintained.

Development Economics

In the context of developing countries, development economists would explore how carbon sequestration projects impact sustainable development goals (SDGs), consider opportunities for technology transfer, and evaluate subsidies or financial incentives to enable adoption.

Monetarism

Monetarists would examine the relationship between macroeconomic stability, monetary policy, and investments in carbon sequestration technologies, often placing emphasis on market mechanisms guiding efficient outcomes.

Comparative Analysis

Comparative studies analyze various carbon sequestration techniques, such as differences between biological and technological sequestration, evaluating their efficiencies, costs, management practices, and long-term sustainability.

Case Studies

Case studies explore real-world implementations of carbon sequestration projects globally - examining best practices, challenges, policy approaches, economic feasibilities, and outcomes.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

• “Climate Change and Carbon Markets: A Handbook of Emissions Reduction Mechanisms” by Farhana Yamin
• “Introduction to Carbon Capture and Sequestration” by Berend Smit and Jeffrey A. Reimer
• “Unburnable Carbon: Equity Markets and Carbon Sequestration” by Ben Caldecott, Rory Sullivan

Related Terms with Definitions

• Greenhouse gases (GHGs): Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.
• Afforestation: The process of planting trees in an area where there was no previous tree cover.
• **Reforestation