Which process is considered a carbon sink that helps mitigate climate change?

Photosynthesis by plants is a critical process that acts as a carbon sink, helping to mitigate climate change. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic matter, primarily in the form of glucose, using sunlight as an energy source. This process not only reduces the concentration of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere but also forms the basis of the food web, supporting a vast array of life on Earth.

By capturing carbon dioxide, photosynthesis plays a vital role in reducing the greenhouse effect and, consequently, global warming. Plants store the carbon in their biomass, which can remain locked away for years or even centuries, especially in forests and other ecosystems that are managed sustainably. This natural process is essential for regulating the carbon cycle, and promoting larger carbon sinks, such as forests and grasslands, is key to climate change mitigation strategies.

In contrast, fossil fuel extraction and industrial emissions contribute to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, while deforestation directly reduces the number of trees available to sequester carbon. Thus, photosynthesis stands out as a natural and effective way to combat climate change through carbon sequestration.