What Can Trees do to Reduce Atmospheric CO2

Nigel T. Roulet, Bill Freedman

2008-09-01

Tree Canada

Tags: Climate Change, Community Involvement, Carbon Management, Public Policy

Forested ecosystems sequester carbon through the annual increment in growth in their woody biomass, plus the proportion of litter fall that becomes incorporated into the soil carbon pool. When trees are first planted, a large proportion of the annual exchange of CO2 goes into growing plant biomass. Also, early in the growth of the tree planted on an agricultural or urban land, the amount of carbon in the soil is small, and consequently soil respiration is not large. This results in a high rate of carbon sequestration in the first several decades of growth of a tree.

The document prepared for Tree Canada discusses the significant role trees play in reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. It emphasizes that trees can be likened to a car's best friend, as they help remove CO2 from the air, contributing to a healthier environment. The guide outlines Tree Canada's mission to educate Canadians about the economic and environmental value of trees, encouraging community involvement in tree planting and care. It also highlights the importance of afforestation and reforestation as effective strategies for carbon sequestration, noting that trees can sequester substantial amounts of carbon over their lifetimes. The document provides insights into the carbon budget and the impact of human activities on greenhouse gas emissions, stressing the need for sustainable forest management practices. Overall, the guide serves as a resource for understanding how trees can mitigate climate change and enhance urban and rural environments.

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Keywords: CO2 Reduction, Tree Planting, Carbon Sequestration, Urban Forestry, Environmental Education, Afforestation