The carbon sequestration potential of urban public parks of densely populated cities to improve environmental sustainability

Abstract

With a rapid increase in population followed by urbanisation and higher land-use demands, there is a shortage of green spaces and urban parks in densely populated cities worldwide. The rise in energy demand and use, especially fossil fuels in the residential and industrial sector, is the leading cause of higher GHG emissions globally. Several decarbonisation methods and frameworks are currently present; however, very few discuss urban parks' role in carbon capture and storage. In this study, the case of Shaheed Zayan Chowdhury Playground of Banani, Dhaka, has been studied in-depth to understand the carbon sequestration potential of the existing vegetation and the centre turf of the park. A total of 156 trees of 21 different species alongside the centre turf were studied within the urban park with 1.73 acres or 17,016 m2 of area. The total amount of CO2 equivalent sequestrated over the entire life span of the urban park is equal to 660.8 tCO2e with a rate of 33.24 tCO2e annually. Moringa Oleifera, Mangifera Indica, and Delonix Regia have the highest carbon storage potential and sequestration, while Cassia Fistula's lowest. This is a unique project in Dhaka with highly encouraging results towards decarbonisation through carbon sequestration in such multipurpose urban parks. This project should inspire the C sequestration calculation and potential for other urban parks within Dhaka North City Corporation.