A new study on Delhi's forest soils indicates significant underground carbon storage. This research highlights the role of soil organic carbon in urban forests and suggests these areas could be leveraged for carbon credit markets. By quantifying the amount of carbon stored in the ground, the study provides a basis for valuing urban green spaces not just for air quality, but as active carbon sinks that contribute to city wide climate goals.
Log in to join the discussion
Interesting find on the soil carbon in Delhi. Most people only look at the trees, but the underground storage is where the real volume often is. Need to see the actual methodology used to calculate these credits before getting too excited.
The real hurdle here is the accounting standard. Soil carbon is notoriously hard to verify and monitor over time. If they cannot prove additionality or permanence, these credits will be worthless in a regulated market.
Urban forests are often overlooked in carbon finance. If Delhi can monetize this, it creates a direct financial incentive to stop the encroachment of forest land for construction.
True, but does the study account for the carbon cost of maintaining these forests in a high pollution environment? I wonder what the actual net sequestration rate is per hectare.
