Maya Basu
Independent Researcher
India
Abstract
Urban green spaces offer a vital ecosystem service by sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂), mitigating climate change impacts and improving air quality. This manuscript examines carbon sequestration mechanisms in parks, street trees, green roofs, and urban woodlands, drawing on data available up to 2015 and technologies extant before that year. We synthesize findings from four case studies—Central Park (New York, USA), Hyde Park (London, UK), Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park (Singapore), and Berlin’s Grunewald Forest (Germany)—to quantify aboveground and belowground carbon stocks. Methodologies include allometric equations for biomass estimation, soil core analysis, and portable infrared gas analyzers, integrated with remote sensing (Landsat imagery) and geographic information systems (GIS). Research gaps identified include inconsistent temporal monitoring, limited belowground biomass models, and lack of standardized protocols across cities. Results show mean annual sequestration rates ranging from 1.2 to 3.5 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, with street trees contributing 15–25 % of total urban sequestration. We conclude that strategic expansion and management of green spaces can enhance sequestration capacity, but standardized, long-term monitoring frameworks are essential.
Keywords
Urban carbon sequestration, allometric biomass estimation, soil carbon, remote sensing, GIS
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