Within the consortium that’s working on an EU-wide voluntary framework for certifying carbon removal and carbon farming, we focus in particular on certifying the removal of carbon through natural processes in peatlands, forests and agriculture. How does natural storage work? 

Jasmijn Sybenga 

Natural processes to remove carbon help in the fight against climate change. They also offer additional benefits: preserving biodiversity, improving water quality and strengthening ecosystems. For that reason alone, they should be promoted. 

Peatlands and wetlands 

Wetlands, such as bogs and peatlands, are very effective at storing carbon. When these ecosystems are left intact or restored, they can store large amounts of carbon and prevent the stored carbon from being released through drainage or mining. 

Forests

Forestation – In areas where there was no forest before, newly planted trees absorb CO₂ as they grow. This way, carbon is stored in biomass (wood, leaves) and in the soil (roots).  

Reforestation – Replanting trees in areas where forests have been cut down or destroyed  restores the natural capacity of these areas to store carbon. 

Agriculture / carbon farming 

Carbon farming focuses on agricultural activities that increase the amount of carbon in the soil and vegetation. In addition to carbon storage, this also benefits soil health. Agricultural practices that promote carbon farming include: 

Agroforestry – Trees and shrubs are integrated into the agricultural system, whereby the carbon is stored in this biomass 

Conservation tillage – Ploughing and other tillage are minimized to limit soil disturbance. This promotes the storage of organic matter in the soil and by consequence carbon storage. 

Permanent ground cover – Covering the soil with crops, grass or mulch can reduce erosion, retain moisture and therefore increase soil organic matter which reduces the release of carbon from the soil. 

Curious?

This is the third blog in the series on Carbon Removal 

• The first blog is about Best practices in natural CO2 removal 
• The second blog is about the fight against climate change  

In the next blog I will discuss the usefulness of certification. 

Visit our page on nature based carbon removal by trees and soil