CO₂ Sequestration Through Phytoremediation Techniques with Special Emphasis on Urban Forestry to Mitigate Climate Change Impact

Abstract

Concentration of carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere reached high, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Report and became parts per million in December 2018. The main causes of global warming are emission of CO₂ and other Green House Gases (GHG), and it is due to anthropogenic activities. To reduce the impact, sequestrating CO₂ through photosynthetic process is more effective. This process known as phytoremediation has been used to clean up greenhouse gases, heavy metals, pesticides, xenobiotics, organic compounds, and toxic aromatic pollutants. It is a cost-effective technique to mitigate global warming. Plants capture atmospheric CO₂ and convert it into organic compounds. The CO₂ sequestration of plants through the leaf and extensive root systems is useful for reduction of CO₂ by the potential assimilating capacity plants. Different plant species have different capacity of carbon sequestration potential. Plants that are identified and grown in and around the urban and industrial areas can reduce the air pollutants. They act as a wind breaker to minimize the transportation of air pollutants; the article has emphasis on the development of greenbelt model in urban forestry by planting more CO₂ assimilating plants. The benefits of developing this model will not only sequester CO₂, but also improve micro-climate of the urban area and increase urban biodiversity as best practices for sustainable environment and urban development. Three case studies are presented.