La Union Capitol Trees Store 83 Tons of Carbon and Offset Emissions: Urban Forest Assessment

The provincial government of La Union reported that 449 trees planted across a 2.68-hectare capitol complex in San Fernando City store an estimated 83,253.6 kg of carbon, equivalent to offsetting about 305,295 kg of carbon dioxide. The assessment used standard forest inventory methods to measure aboveground biomass and will serve as baseline data for urban forest management and tree conservation programs. The tree inventory includes forest, fruit-bearing, ornamental, and palm species along with native Philippine trees like Narra, Dao, and Kalumpit. The data is intended to support evidence-based decisions for expanding green spaces. Annual tree planting events on Arbor Day and other occasions focus on native species planted in mountain areas, coastlines, and urban open spaces. This kind of localized carbon stock measurement provides concrete numbers for municipal climate action planning. It shows how even small urban green areas contribute measurable carbon sequestration and can inform broader reforestation and offset strategies.