Namibia’s dry woodlands store significant carbon, with small trees and shrubs contributing up to 30% of total biomass. Traditional carbon assessments often overlook these smaller plants, leading to underestimated carbon storage and missed conservation opportunities. A paradigm shift in recognizing the full carbon potential of these ecosystems could enhance the effectiveness of climate policies.
Carbon sequestration refers to how plants absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO2) during photosynthesis, transforming it into organic matter like wood and soil carbon. This process is vital as forests are essential in combating climate change by reducing atmospheric CO2 and slowing global warming. Although large trees store carbon for extended periods, smaller trees and shrubs in ecosystems, particularly Namibia’s dry woodlands, also play significant roles in this cycle.
Namibia’s dry woodlands are vital for carbon sequestration but have often been undervalued. Ignoring smaller trees in carbon assessments could lead to miscalculations in global carbon budgets and conservation efforts. Recognizing the contribution of these smaller plants is crucial for developing effective climate policies and ensuring financial support for Namibia’s woodland ecosystems based on accurate carbon storage assessments.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
