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Learn about the various consolidated and promising techniques for capturing and neutralizing carbon

The forms of carbon neutralization occur through different methods, some simple others quite complex. To neutralize the emitted carbon, it is necessary to remove the CO2e (CO2 equivalent) from the atmosphere, thus promoting carbon sequestration.

Due to the emerging problems with global warming, actions on a global scale are being required by law or by pressure from society to try to curb or minimize the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). As explained in the article "What is carbon offsetting?", an alternative to balance our emissions is through carbon offsetting techniques.

• What is global warming?
• What are greenhouse gases

Planting trees is the most common way to neutralize carbon, due to the easy access to purchase by anyone, company or person. In addition to carbon sequestration, reforestation and forest conservation bring many other benefits for soil, water, biodiversity, among others. Learn more in the article "Carbon neutralization techniques: planting trees".

A common technique that is gaining ground is carbon neutralization through alternative energies. Power generation is a major carbon emitter globally, so replacing conventional energies with 100% clean energy sources is an efficient carbon-neutral attitude. The article "Carbon Neutralization Techniques: Renewable Energies" explains how this market works.

Other forms of carbon neutralization are being researched, evaluated and tested to be more and more efficient and are still not so common. This is the case of the carbon capture and storage technique - CCS (English acronym for carbon capture and storage). CCS may be the only option to achieve significant reductions in carbon generated by the use of fossil fuels. See the process of this method in the article "Carbon Neutralization Techniques: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)".

Accelerating natural weathering processes to capture CO2 with natural reactions is another method that may be an option for a carbon neutralization technique. Mineral silicates present in rocks when dissolved by weathering react with atmospheric CO2 capturing it and converting it to stable forms. Sound complex? understand better in the article "Carbon neutralization techniques: weathering acceleration".

The technique of preserving and increasing soil carbon stock is also very promising. Through correct soil management and addition of organic matter, it is possible to store carbon, thus neutralizing residual emissions. See how simple this method is in the article "Carbon Neutralization Techniques: Soil Carbon Storage".

Another way to sequester carbon from the atmosphere is through ocean fertilization. It consists of adding iron to the ocean to increase the area's biological growth and convert more atmospheric CO2 into stable carbon. However, carbon offsetting by this technique is still uncertain due to impacts not yet understood on the marine ecosystem. See more about the challenges and limitations of this technique in the article "Carbon Neutralization Techniques: Ocean Fertilization".

How do I know if I produce carbon emissions? Do I need to neutralize?

The carbon footprint (carbon footprint - in English) is a methodology created to measure greenhouse gas emissions - all of them, regardless of the type of gas emitted, are converted into equivalent carbon. These gases, including carbon dioxide, are emitted into the atmosphere during the life cycle of a product, process or service. Examples of activities that generate emissions are the burning of fossil fuels such as air travel and mechanized harvesting, consumption of any nature (food, clothing, entertainment), event production, the creation of pasture for cattle, deforestation, production of cement, among others. All these activities, in addition to the other gases, emit carbon and can be carried out by people, companies, NGOs and governments - that's why all these entities can carry out carbon neutralization.

If you eat a plate of rice and beans, be aware that there was a carbon footprint for that meal - if your plate contains food of animal origin, this footprint is even greater (planting, growing and transporting). Knowing the carbon emission, directly or indirectly, is very important to reduce it in order to slow down global warming, improve the planet's quality of life, reduce the ecological footprint and avoid overshoot, known as the Earth overload.

• If people in the US traded meat for beans, emissions would be drastically reduced, according to research.

Reducing superfluous consumption and opting for a more environmentally friendly posture, practicing correct disposal and composting, for example, are ways to avoid carbon emissions. As for the carbon emission that it was not possible to avoid, it is necessary to neutralize.

• Garbage separation: how to properly separate garbage
• What is compost and how to make it

How can I do carbon neutralization?

Some companies, such as Eccaplan , offer the carbon calculation and carbon offsetting service for individuals and companies. Unavoidable emissions can be offset in certified environmental projects. In this way, the same amount of CO2 emitted in companies, products, events or in each person's daily life is compensated with incentives and the use of clean technologies.

Carbon offsetting or neutralization, in addition to making environmental projects financially viable, improves people's quality of life and promotes the sustainable use of green areas. To find out how to start neutralizing the carbon emitted by you, your company or event, watch the video and fill out the form below: