Carbon sequestration potential of tree planting in China

Ling Yao, Tang Liu, Jun Qin (), Hou Jiang, Lin Yang, Pete Smith, Xi Chen (), Chenghu Zhou and Shilong Piao ()
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Ling Yao: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Tang Liu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jun Qin: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Hou Jiang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Lin Yang: Nanjing University
Pete Smith: University of Aberdeen
Xi Chen: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Chenghu Zhou: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shilong Piao: Peking University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract China’s large-scale tree planting programs are critical for achieving its carbon neutrality by 2060, but determining where and how to plant trees for maximum carbon sequestration has not been rigorously assessed. Here, we developed a comprehensive machine learning framework that integrates diverse environmental variables to quantify tree growth suitability and its relationship with tree numbers. Then, their correlations with biomass carbon stocks were robustly established. Carbon sink potentials were mapped in distinct tree-planting scenarios. Under one of them aligned with China’s ecosystem management policy, 44.7 billion trees could be planted, increasing forest stock by 9.6 ± 0.8 billion m³ and sequestering 5.9 ± 0.5 PgC equivalent to double China’s 2020 industrial CO2 emissions. We found that tree densification within existing forests is an economically viable and effective strategy and so it should be a priority in future large-scale planting programs.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52785-6

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