Carbon Storage

When trees, bushes and other plants grow, they absorb carbon dioxide from the air.  They use it to build their trunks, branches, roots and leaves. It’s like they’re storing the carbon dioxide in a huge invisible pantry—this is called carbon sequestration.

The carbon can remain in the plants and in the ground for a long time. When leaves and branches fall to the ground, they break down, and some of the carbon remains in the soil.  The ocean can also store a lot of carbon through small plants and animals that live there.

But if we chop down too many trees, burn wood or destroy land, the carbon is released back into the air. That’s why it is important to take care of forests, fields and oceans – so that nature can continue to help us in the fight against climate change.