Evaluating the role of roadside vegetation in atmospheric carbon dioxide mitigation: a case study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Urban green spaces have received little attention for climate change mitigation by way of carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration. The present study explores the diversity and CO2 mitigation value of roadside tree species in Sagar city, India. Various diversity and richness indices were determined to assess the diversity structure of these discontinuous vegetations. The CO2 mitigation value was determined by estimating biomass and carbon stock through a non-destructive method. The study area was found to include 1,130 individuals belonging to 26 families and 66 species. A higher value of diversity indices (Simpson’s, 0.95 and Shannon’s, 3.42) and lower Simpson’s index of dominance (0.05), along with the higher value of species richness (9.25) and evenness (0.82) showed good diversity and uniform distribution of the species. The CO2 mitigation value for the present study area was 66.62 Mg/ha, along with a total biomass value of 36.3 Mg/ha and a carbon stock of 18.15 Mg C/ha. Observations from the study show that these types of vegetations do play a substantial role in carbon sequestration. The results of this study will be useful to give an insight into the significance of these roadside trees to policymakers and the necessity for careful management of them.