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Carbon sequestration in a changing climate

requires a coordinated effort that balances social and changes hinder carbon sequestration, necessitating a
economic growth with environmental preservation. comprehensive development policy that prioritizes
The insights from this study on Pakistan’s carbon forest conservation. Governments should incorporate
sequestration dynamic scan guide more focused and forest preservation into zoning and urban development
effective governmental responses to these challenges. laws, providing incentives for businesses and developers
The research recommends several policy actions to build sustainably and reduce land clearance.
aimed at reducing the human impact on Pakistan’s forests Furthermore, efforts to restore damaged through forestry
and enhancing carbon sequestration. Policymakers and soil restoration initiatives should be encouraged,
should prioritize sustainable agricultural practices that alongside robust monitoring systems to ensure efficacy
do not compromise production for profit. Given the and compliance with land-use regulations.
vital role of agriculture in the economy, it is crucial Finally, this research emphasizes the importance of
to promote farming techniques that support carbon global and regional cooperation in addressing climate
sequestration. Initiatives like agroforestry, which change. Carbon trading mechanisms offer significant
involves growing crops alongside trees to enhance economic, technological, and scientific benefits to
yields and store carbon, should be encouraged. Precision Pakistan. By participating in international carbon
farming technologies can help reduce deforestation trading systems and partnering with environmental
while increasing efficiency. Financial incentives should organizations, Pakistan can secure funding and expertise
be provided to organic farmers to maintain soil carbon for forest conservation projects. Linking carbon
levels. These strategies require government subsidies, sequestration goals with broader social and economic
farmer education, and public awareness campaigns. development objectives will help promote environmental
Support for forest preservation initiatives is another key sustainability. By adopting global environmental norms
policy recommendation. As illegal logging and land and seeking foreign financing, Pakistan can enhance
conversion continue to threaten carbon sequestration, its climate change mitigation efforts, strengthen its
stronger regulations and enforcement are needed. economy, and improve social well-being.
Enhancing and expanding protected forests will help
preserve biodiversity and carbon storage. Community- Acknowledgments
based forest management programs should be promoted,
allowing local communities to participate in conservation None.
and sustainable forest resource management. Policies
should also encourage the replanting of native species Funding
to improve carbon absorption and maintain ecological
stability. Furthermore, collaboration with international None.
organizations and environmental agreements can
provide additional financial and technical resources to Conflict of interest
strengthen conservation efforts.
Given that climate change is likely to further reduce The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
forest carbon sequestration, adaptation and mitigation
strategies are essential. Changes in precipitation and Author contributions
rising temperatures will continue to impact forest carbon
storage. Climate-resilient forestry projects, such as Conceptualization: Muhammad Asif Khan, Muhammad
improved forest management practices and the planting Khalid Anser, Khalid Zaman
of drought-resistant trees, should be supported by the Investigation: All authors
government. Studying these impacts will be key to Methodology: All authors
mitigating the long-term effects of climate change on Writing-original draft: All authors
forest ecosystems. National development strategies must Writing-review & editing: All authors
be aligned with climate change adaptation to ensure the
health of both forests and economies. Communities must Availability of data
collaborate to mitigate the impacts of climate change on
forests. As infrastructure development and urbanization The data are freely available at World Development Indicators
continue to damage forest ecosystems, sustainable land- published by World Bank (2024) at https://databank.
use planning becomes increasingly vital. Land-use worldbank.org/source/world-development-indicators, and

Volume 22 Issue 1 (2025) 61 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025050027