Carbon Sequestration and its Effects on Ecosystem Services and Human Welfare

A significant approach for reducing the effects of climate change is carbon sequestration, which is the process of absorbing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. The potential for carbon sequestration to lower greenhouse gas concentrations has significant effects on human welfare and ecological services. The present study was designed to assess carbon storage and sequestration by using the InVEST model in Chandigarh, India. The study highlights the effects of carbon sequestration on ecosystem services and human well-being. While increases in CO2 levels may boost crop yields, they pose significant risks to long-term climate stability. Enhancing carbon storage in an urban environment can notably improve air quality and mitigate climate change impacts. In addition, carbon sequestration has a critical role in soil formation and nutrient cycling, which is essential for maintaining ecosystem health. The findings reveal a significant increase in built-up areas and a reduction in green spaces despite regulations implemented by authorities. The InVEST model results indicate a decrease in carbon storage from 5.8 × 10⁵ Mg in 2013 to 4.9 × 10⁵ Mg in 2023. This shift resulted in a decline in carbon storage and negative carbon sequestration. Total carbon sequestration for this period was -8.2 × 10⁴ Mg, suggesting carbon emissions exceeded sequestration. Chandigarh experienced a notable decrease in green cover and agricultural land, with built-up areas increasing by 21% from 2013 to 2023. Further, economic analysis through net present value indicated a financial loss for the city due to higher carbon emissions outweighing sequestration. It advocates the implementation of participatory sensing to raise awareness and prioritize multifunctional landscapes, ensuring sustainable ecosystems and mitigating adverse effects on ecosystem services. The results emphasize the simultaneous use of carbon sequestration as a socioeconomic and environmental instrument, supporting a well-rounded strategy that gives equal weight to ecological sustainability and community well-being. The present study contributes to the larger conversation on sustainable urban development in India by offering helpful information to environmental stakeholders, politicians, and urban planners.