Assessment of Carbon Storage and Sequestration Potential of Heritage Trees in Chennai City, India

Abstract

Trees in the urban environment offer valuable ecosystem services through carbon sequestration. Historically, Chennai (formerly known as Madras) enjoyed the patronage of several pioneering doctor-turned plant enthusiasts. The formation of the Agri-Horticultural Society in the year 1835 evoked interest in botanical studies. To date, this has flagged the way for planting a wide variety of native and exotics tree species in institutional campuses, places of worship, public precinct, private gardens, and public parks in Chennai. Today, these species are classified under "Heritage Trees" as they stand testimony to the cultural and historical events of this 400 years old city. In this paper, Girth is measured at breast height and the overall Height and compute each tree's carbon stock through a non-destructive method—MS-Excel software for correlation and regression analysis of 34 heritage tree species. Correlation matrix for carbon stocks, GBH, the tree's overall Height, and wood density carried out. The study reveals a linear positive correlation and regression with an R2 value of 0.68 for GBH and carbon stock. Height and wood density also show a positive linear correlation with an R2 value of 0.50 and 0.43, respectively. The results showed that the carbon stocks for Tamarindusindica maximum and CycasCircinaliswere at a minimum of 28.85 and 0.28 total carbon stock, respectively. The results reveal planting trees with large Girth with high wood specific density in an urban environment plays a significant role in carbon storage and sequestration potential in mitigating climate change in the city.