Assessing The Carbon Sequestration Potential of Various Parks in Bhopal City

Abstract

Carbon sequestration, the process by which carbon dioxide (CO₂) is removed from the atmosphere and stored in terrestrial, aquatic, or geological reservoirs, is increasingly recognized as a critical strategy for mitigating climate change. This study investigated the carbon sequestration and storage capabilities of trees planted in the green spaces of Bhopal city. Given that large trees were the primary focus, urban gardens and green spaces possess significant potential to absorb carbon from the atmosphere and mitigate the effects of climate change in urban areas. From Bhopal city, nine green gardens were chosen in total. The purpose of this study was to evaluate various green spaces of Bhopal city and their capacity to sequester carbon for the purpose of better urban planning in the future. Using a non-destructive technique, the above ground biomass (AGB) and below ground biomass (BGB) were estimated. The results of the parks studied show that the Van Vihar with its huge area housing multiple varieties of trees, plants, shrubs and grasses is acting as major carbon sink for the city of Bhopal by sequestering total amount of 231547.6019 kg of carbon per species of tree. Even smaller parks like Mayur Park, Rose Garden and Titli Park are sequestering significant amount of CO₂ i.e.,18461.95272 kg,6869.636724kg, and 35977.83201 kg respectively.