sequestration
see-kwes-TRAY-shun
/ˌsiːkwɛˈstreɪʃən/
The action of sequestering or being sequestered; in environmental science, the long-term storage of carbon dioxide to mitigate global warming.
It implies taking something 'out of circulation'. In climate terms, it's about locking carbon away so it can't heat the planet.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'sequestrare', meaning to give up for safekeeping. It comes from 'sequester', a person who acted as a trustee. We are essentially asking the Earth to be a trustee for our carbon waste.
Word relationships
- storage: Storage is a general term; sequestration implies a deliberate act of isolating or hiding away.
- isolation: Isolation is usually for people or viruses; sequestration is for carbon or legal entities.
- release: Release is letting something out into the atmosphere.
- emission: Emission is the act of sending something out, usually a gas.
Commonly confused with
- capture: Capture is the act of catching the carbon; sequestration is the act of storing it permanently.
Word family
- sequester (verb): To isolate or hide away.
Collocations
- carbon sequestration
- geological sequestration
- biological sequestration
- sequestration technology
Example sentences
- "Carbon sequestration in deep underground rock formations is one way to reduce greenhouse gases." Climate Engineering
- "Forests provide natural sequestration by absorbing CO2 through photosynthesis." Nature-Based Solutions
Memory hook
Think of a 'SECRET-STATION' where carbon is hidden away. Locking it away.
When not to use
In a legal context, it refers to isolating a jury. Don't confuse the two meanings.
Fun facts
- The word was used in the US 'sequester' of 2013, which referred to automatic spending cuts—locking the money away so it couldn't be spent.
Related words
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