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Khan, et al.

However, these compensatory processes are typically theory of carbon sequestration and deforestation,
insufficient and offer only temporary relief from demonstrating how economic growth can degrade the
widespread deforestation. Thus, this hypothesis aims environment but also how income and conservation
to determine whether deforestation trends in Pakistan efforts can promote sustainability. The study also high
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are accompanied by adequate reforestation and forest light show theories of land-use change and agricultural
management practices that mitigate carbon losses or growth affect carbon sequestration in Pakistan. These
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whether the continued degradation of Pakistan’s forest theoretical contributions provide the groundwork for
cover further diminishes its ability to store carbon. future research in other developing countries with
similar environmental, social, and economic conditions,
H3: Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall enhancing our understanding of carbon dynamics.
reduce Pakistan’s carbon sequestration From a policy perspective, the study provides
The study suggests that high temperatures and variable practical insights that bridge theoretical research to
precipitation negatively affect the health of forests, real-world applications. By illustrating how agricultural
reducing their biomass production and making them income and land-use changes diminish carbon
less effective carbon sinks. sequestration, it advocates for sustainable farming
Carbon sequestration and the role of forests in practices and urban planning. The study also suggests
mitigating climate change are topics of ongoing targeted deforestation management strategies and
research. However, numerous questions remain, climate-resilient forestry actions to improve carbon
especially for developing countries like Pakistan. 58,59 sequestration while balancing economic growth. Given
Local socioeconomic and environmental factors its comprehensive approach and focus on Pakistan, this
significantly influence carbon sequestration, yet most study is valuable for researchers, policymakers, and
studies focus on global trends or regional assessments, international organizations working on climate change
neglecting the specific dynamics at play in individual and environmental degradation. It fills significant
countries. 60,61 Many studies fail to consider the complex gaps in the literature and provides guidance for future
interactions between climatic factors, land-use changes, research and policy development in this critical field.
deforestation rates, and agricultural practices that shape
carbon dynamics. 52,62 Pakistan, with its high rates of 3. Data source and methodology
deforestation, unsustainable farming practices, and
vulnerability to climate change, faces unique challenges Table 1 presents the variables used in the study. The time-
that are often overlooked in global and regional series data were collected from the World Bank and the
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research. 63,64 There is a lack of country-specific research Climate Change Knowledge Portal. In addition, the
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on the policy-relevant impacts of socioeconomic factors data were converted into quarterly intervals, covering
on forest carbon benefits in Pakistan, which hinders the the period from 1990 Quartile 1 to 2023 Quartile 4.
development of effective, evidence-based strategies for The social-ecological systems theory helps explain
carbon sequestration. the interaction between forest ecosystems and human
This study addresses these gaps in understanding systems, including social policies and activities.
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Pakistan’s forest carbon sequestration capacity Activities such as farming, development, tree cutting,
by examining the factors that affect it. The study and preservation have significant ecological impacts
incorporates agricultural income, deforestation rates, on forests. According to this theory, forests thrive
temperature, precipitation, and land-use improvements through the dynamic interactions between human and
to present a comprehensive picture of carbon natural systems. Policies and initiatives that promote
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sequestration processes. Unlike previous research that reforestation and establish protected areas directly
treated these factors in isolation, this study examines influence forests’ carbon sequestration capacity.
their combined impact on carbon sequestration. 65,66 It The social-ecological systems theory also supports
also provides valuable data from Pakistan, which has adaptive governance, which fosters sustainable policies
been largely overlooked in international research on through feedback loops between human and natural
forest carbon dynamics, despite facing major concerns systems. This theory aids in the sustainable and ethical
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from deforestation and climate change. management of forests by understanding how social,
The research advances theoretical understanding political, economic, and environmental factors affect
by linking its findings to economic and environmental carbon sequestration. Environmental determinism
concepts. It supports the environmental sustainability posits that climate, terrain, and resources shape human

Volume 22 Issue 1 (2025) 56 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025050027