Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Terrestrial sequestration
Terrestrial sequestration is the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by biological
systems, mainly plants, or by prevention of carbon dioxide emissions from terrestrial
ecosystems by protection of the ecosystems. Terrestrial sequestration is probably the most
reliable and cost-effective method that is available at the moment.
Carbon sequestration by terrestrial systems can be accomplished by managing several
ecosystems, such as forest lands, agricultural lands, biomass croplands, degraded lands, and
wetlands. Carbon capture can be promoted by developing new projects (e.g., reforestation), by
protecting and enhancing the carbon dioxide sequestration capabilities of current ecosystems,
or by changing practices, such as a no-till approach in agricultural lands. In most cases, the
result is not only carbon capture, but also a net gain in health of terrestrial ecosystems by
increasing diversity and preventing erosion of agricultural lands. However, it is important to
keep in mind that these practices help only the short-term storage of carbon and are not even
close to the efficiency of long-term geological storage.
Other ideas for permanent carbon storage
Several concepts are currently being considered by scientists to create inexpensive and safe
carbon dioxide storage systems. Some of the ideas involve the creation of useful materials (e.g.,
stable polymers) from carbon dioxide through the use of catalyzers; others include ocean
sequestration, engineered photosynthesis systems, and genetically improved crops with
enhanced carbon absorption (“Carbon sequestration,” n.d.). However, all these ideas are at the
conceptual level and research needs to prove whether or not they will work.
Optimizing transportation and logistics
Emissions from transportation are directly proportional to the consumption of fuel. Therefore,
the only approach to lessen emissions in transportation can be accomplished by:
1. Optimizing routes.
2.
Selecting the best transportation method.
3.
Decreasing fuel consumption.
Route optimization consists of cutting miles traveled by finding the most favorable
itinerary. It is a valuable tool mainly at the last step of the transportation network, the
delivery stage. Currently, software solutions linked to GPS technology can optimize the
itinerary of delivery trucks that can save up to 15 percent in fuel consumption. Optimizing
routes also makes a more efficient use of vehicles and minimizes the number of trucks
needed (Schiavo, 2008).
It is known that fuel consumption is connected with transportation methods. Freight moved
by plane takes more energy than by truck, trucks consume more energy than rail, and rail takes
more energy than ships. Therefore, when feasible, the selection of a transportation method
with the least need for energy will produce the smallest emissions.
Finally, emissions can be reduced by decreasing fuel consumption. Airplanes, locomotives,
and trucks are more fuel efficient today than two decades ago. Because of its flexibility, truck
transportation is important for any supply chain, and ongoing research is trying to increase the
efficiency of fuel utilization in trucks by concentrating on weight reduction, aerodynamics,
drive-train efficiency, rolling resistance, and speed. Some results of this research would be
applicable to retrofitting current trucks, whereas other improvements would be suitable for
just new trucks.
