Careful selection of forest types in afforestation can increase carbon sequestration by 25% without compromising sustainability

Afforestation, a crucial carbon dioxide removal technology, can negatively impact food and land systems. This study utilizes an integrated assessment model to demonstrate how strategic forest type selection in afforestation can significantly enhance global carbon sequestration without compromising global food and land sustainability. Results show that selecting carbon-intensive forest types increases carbon sequestration by 25% compared to native forest types. However, large-scale, poorly planned afforestation can negatively affect economic, food, and land systems. The study emphasizes the need for complementary measures alongside the use of carbon-intensive forest types to mitigate adverse effects.

Tomoko Hasegawa, Shinichiro Fujimori, Akihiko Ito, Kiyoshi Takahashi