Screening and evaluation of candidate trees for terrestrial carbon storage in regions with high air pollution and water stress

Abstract

ABSTRACTTerrestrial carbon storage is one of many different ways to tackle the problem of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions resulting from non-point sources. However, the development of large-scale urban forest acreage is not an easy undertaking, and will require significant resources. The systematic screening of candidate tree species and preliminary estimations of their atmospheric carbon removal potential can help stakeholders and policymakers devise site-specific strategies for developing and maintaining sustainable urban forest acreage.This study is focused on finding native candidate trees that are drought-resistant, and could continue to store (sequester) atmospheric carbon in significant quantities over an extended period (> 100 years). In the study, seven urban tree species were identified as the top candidates for terrestrial carbon storage in water-stressed Californian regions, which are also the regions with the worst air quality in the nation.Although the present study is focused on particular water-stressed and air-polluted regions of California, the methodology and strategies presented may serve as a starting point for launching site-specific scoping studies to evaluate the terrestrial carbon storage potential of future urban forest projects in other parts of the world.