Carbon Sequestration Potential Of Forest Ecosystems In Mitigating Climate Change Impacts

Abstract

Forest ecosystems play a critical role in mitigating climate change by functioning as major natural carbon sinks that absorb and store atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂). This study examines the carbon sequestration potential of different forest ecosystems—tropical, temperate, and managed forests—by synthesizing field measurements, soil carbon analysis, remote sensing data, and spatial modeling approaches. The results demonstrate that tropical forests possess the highest total carbon stocks due to dense vegetation and rapid biomass accumulation, while temperate forests contribute significantly to long-term carbon storage through stable soil organic carbon pools. Managed forests exhibit lower carbon stocks; however, the application of sustainable management practices can substantially enhance their sequestration capacity. Soil organic carbon was found to be a major component of total ecosystem carbon across all forest types, in some cases exceeding aboveground biomass carbon. The study also highlights that forest age, structure, climatic conditions, and management intensity strongly influence carbon dynamics. Younger and regenerating forests show higher annual carbon uptake rates, whereas mature forests serve as long-term carbon reservoirs. Despite uncertainties related to allometric models and soil variability, the integrated methodological framework proved robust for assessing spatial and temporal patterns of forest carbon stocks. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of conserving high-carbon forests, restoring degraded landscapes, and implementing sustainable forest management as effective nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation. Strengthening forest-based carbon strategies is essential for supporting global emission reduction targets and ensuring ecosystem resilience under changing climatic conditions.