An approach to the evaluation and management of natural carbon sinks: From plant species to urban green systems

The maintenance and improvement of current natural carbon sinks, as well as the creation of others, are presently considered among the main strategies by which to address global climate change, and are pursued in parallel to the implementation of policies of carbon emission reduction. To date, this approach has been applied mainly to forest areas, obtaining relevant results that help to identify areas of weakness in the strategy and to design appropriate management measures. Nevertheless, under the current situation, and at territorial level, urban areas and infrastructures, in which urban green systems play a significant role, present opportunities for contributing towards carbon sink potential. Various studies conducted by our research group have emphasized the role of urban green systems as natural carbon sinks, including research conducted under initiatives from European authorities (“Climeport project/Mediterranean Ports’ Contribution to Climate Change”), regional government (Andalusian Strategy against Global Climate Change) and Andalusian universities (Andalusian University Rectors Climate Change Pact). Through these projects, we have assessed entire systems, identifying the species of urban trees and shrubs with the greatest sink potential under different climate scenarios, proposing garden management schemes, and providing a basis for the creation, design, management and improvement of natural carbon sinks in the cities.