A carbon sink is any natural or artificial system that absorbs more carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere than it releases, effectively removing carbon from the air and storing it. Examples of natural carbon sinks include forests, oceans, and soils, which play a crucial role in the carbon cycle by absorbing CO2 through processes like photosynthesis and oceanic absorption
. The ocean acts as a major carbon sink through physical and biological mechanisms, such as the "ocean carbon pump," which transfers carbon from the surface to the deep sea, storing it long-term
. Forests absorb CO2 via photosynthesis, converting it into biomass, and soils store organic carbon as well
. Artificial carbon sinks are technologies designed to capture and store carbon, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and direct air capture systems, which filter CO2 from the atmosphere for storage or reuse
. Carbon sinks are vital in mitigating climate change because they offset a significant portion of human-generated CO2 emissions. However, human activities like deforestation and land-use changes are reducing the effectiveness of these natural sinks, making their protection and enhancement critical to controlling global warming
. In summary, a carbon sink is a reservoir-natural or artificial-that absorbs and stores more carbon than it emits, helping regulate atmospheric CO2 levels and combat climate change
