Article summary
Abstract
The escalating challenges of climate change have intensified global focus on carbon mitigation strategies, prominently highlighting the concept of carbon credits. Within this paradigm, plants—par- ticularly higher green plants—emerge as crucial agents in atmospheric carbon sequestration due to their innate photosynthetic capability. This research explores the botanical mechanisms and ecological roles of plants in contributing to carbon credit systems. From carbon dioxide assimilation to biomass accumulation and long-term carbon storage in roots, trunks, and soil, the study examines how various plant types—forests, mangroves, grasslands, and agroforestry systems—serve as effective carbon sinks. The paper further delves into the physiological attributes of plants, such as stomatal conductance, leaf area index, and net primary productivity (NPP), that influence their carbon capture efficiency. Special attention is given to native, fast-growing, and high-biomass-producing species suitable for afforesta- tion and reforestation projects aligned with carbon trading schemes. The study also evaluates how plant diversity and ecosystem integrity contribute to long-term carbon storage and ecological balance. Botanical insights are crucial for enhancing the accuracy of carbon sequestration models, determining carbon offset potentials, and selecting species for climate-resilient carbon credit plantations. Moreover, this paper discusses the role of phytoremediation and carbon farming as emerging practices within sustainable agriculture and environmental policy frameworks. The integration of botanical research into national and international carbon credit mechanisms is proposed as a vital step towards achieving sustainable climate goals under the Paris Agreement. In conclusion, the botanical perspective provides a scientific foundation for optimizing the role of vegetation in carbon credit markets, thereby bridging the gap between plant science and environmental economics. The research advocates for increased in- terdisciplinary collaboration and policy support to realize the full ecological and commercial potential of plant-based carbon sequestration.