Forest Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change

Abstract

Forests play a critical role in the global carbon cycle, acting as significant carbon sinks that absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. This process, known as forest carbon sequestration, is essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change. This paper explores the mechanisms of carbon sequestration in forests, the factors influencing its efficiency, and the implications for climate change mitigation strategies. Forests sequester carbon primarily through the growth of trees, which absorb CO2 during photosynthesis and store it in biomass (trunks, branches, roots, and leaves) and soil organic matter. The rate of carbon sequestration varies with forest type, age, and health, as well as environmental conditions such as soil quality, temperature, and precipitation.