Urban forests retain the same carbon as rainforests

    Urban forests retain the same carbon as rainforests

    Urban forests, trees and parks in cities can store the same carbon emissions as tropical river forests

    Urban forests, trees and parks in cities can store the same carbon emissions as tropical river forests.





    Even if we often do not consider its real importance, even the small "forests" and parks of our cities have a very important role in reducing air pollution. Now a new study conducted by the University College of London has estimated the contribution of trees in cutting pollutant emissions.

    The research drew on air LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data collected by the UK Environment Agency, combined with ground-based measurements, to generate a map of carbon stored by around 85.000 trees in the borough. Londoner of Camden.

    The UCL team found that areas such as Hampstead Heath store up to 178 tonnes of carbon per hectare, compared to the average value of tropical rainforests, which is estimated at 190 tonnes of carbon per hectare.

    LiDAR is a new technique introduced by the UCL team to measure carbon in tropical rainforests, but for the first time it was used 'at home' in Camden. The technique uses millions of laser pulses to build a highly detailed image of the tree's 3D structure. This allowed the team to accurately estimate the amount of carbon the trees absorbed through photosynthesis over their lifetime.

    They provide many ecosystem services essential to making cities liveable, from shade to flood mitigation, from reducing air pollution to habitats for birds, mammals and other plants, as well as greater recreational and aesthetic benefits.

    “Urban trees are a vital resource for our cities, where people spend every day. We were able to map the size and shape of every tree in Camden, from the forests in the large parks to the individual trees in the back gardens. This not only allows us to measure the amount of carbon stored by plants but also to evaluate other important services they provide as a habitat for birds and insects, ”said lead author of the study, Dr. Phil Wilkes.



    Wanting to translate the benefits provided by trees in cities into economic terms, they amount to 133 million pounds a year. The carbon storage capacity of urban trees is £ 4,8 million per year in the British capital (€ 5,46 million), or £ 17,80 (€ 20,24) per tree.

    Scientists hope their research will help better understand the value of urban trees and influence future urban planning.

    The study was published in Carbon Balance and Management.


    READ also:


    • How to create an urban forest in your garden in just 10 years (VIDEO)
    • The 10 best anti-pollution trees that 'devour' fine dust

    Francesca Mancuso

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