ScienceJune 14, 2026

sequestration

/ˌsiːkwɪˈstreɪʃən/

Definition

The natural process by which an ecosystem captures and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, preventing it from contributing to global warming.

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'sequestrare', meaning 'to put aside or deposit'. It entered Middle English through Old French and historically referred to the legal seizure of property, later evolving to describe the physical 'setting aside' of substances like carbon.

In the news

In this article, sequestration refers to the way wild animals and their environments help hold onto carbon. It matters because scientists argue that protecting these ecosystems is a critical, yet overlooked, way to combat climate change.

Over 260 Global Scientists Unite on Urgent Call for Wildlife Protection for Sake of Climate

Read the full article ↗

Utah State University

Related words

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.