UPSC Prelims 2023 Question:

Consider the following activities

1. Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively 
2. Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime 
3. Capturing carbon dioxide by released various industries and pumping it into abandoned mines in subterranean the form of carbonated waters
   
   

How many of the above activities are often considered and discussed for carbon capture and sequestration?

Explanation:

Carbon sequestration is described as the technologies designed to tackle global warming by capturing CO2 at power stations, industrial sites or even directly from the air and permanently storing it underground. It describes the long-term storage of carbon dioxide or other forms of carbon to either mitigate or defer global warming.

• Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively:  This method aims to enhance the natural weathering of minerals that can react with CO2 and form stable carbonates. This can increase the carbon storage capacity of soils and also improve soil fertility and crop yields. So, point 1 is correct.
  
  
• Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime: This method involves dissolving limestone or other alkaline minerals in seawater, which can increase the ocean's capacity to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and reduce ocean acidification. So, point 2 is correct.
  
  
• Capturing carbon dioxide involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) at emission sources, transporting and then storing or burying it in a suitable deep, underground location. CCS can also mean the removal of CO2 directly or indirectly from the atmosphere. So, point 3 is correct.
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Climate Change