Sustainable carbon cycle

The carbon cycle is a fundamental process that involves the movement of carbon between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and geosphere. Carbon is an essential element necessary for life on Earth, but its excessive presence in the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) contributes to climate change. The European Union is therefore committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 by focusing on reducing carbon emissions and promoting its removal.

There are three main strategies to achieve a sustainable carbon cycle:

1. Decarbonisation: This includes reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and increasing energy efficiency, the transition to renewable energy sources and the circular economy.

2. Carbon recycling: This is the use of waste, renewable biological resources, and CO2 directly from the atmosphere to produce synthetic fuels and materials that are essential for some industrial sectors.

3. Carbon sequestration: This includes technologies and processes that capture and store CO2 from the atmosphere. Solutions can be based on natural systems, such as agriculture and forestry, or on industrial technologies.

The European Union emphasizes the need for transparent and effective monitoring and certification of carbon removal, which are crucial for the successful implementation of these measures. Supporting research, innovation and pioneering infrastructure projects for CO2 capture and transport is key to developing a sustainable carbon cycle.

Carbon farming is an example of how farmers can be rewarded for ecological practices contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions. In addition to environmental benefits, carbon farming will also bring new economic opportunities for farmers.

A comprehensive approach to solving the carbon cycle contributes not only to the mitigation of the climate crisis, but also to the support of biodiversity, food security and the sustainable development of society. (More on eur-lex.europa.eu)