As part of the biome group analysis, it is important to consider the relative importance of surface layer carbon stores. The table below shows the current levels in Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Terrestrial (in billion tons).
Atmosphere – the main concern in climate change – actually holds the smallest total amount, about 860 billion tons of carbon. Therefore, in addition to the flows, one has to critically consider the biome’s carbon stock when analysing the potential capture opportunity in:
- Oceans
- Land surfaces, and
- Forests
