ROLE OF ECO-FRIENDLY PLANTS IN CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION

Ali Ahmad*

ABSTRACT

Eco-friendly plants play a vital role in mitigating climate change by enhancing carbon sequestration, improving ecosystem resilience, and regulating atmospheric greenhouse gases. As global temperatures continue to rise due to increased emissions of CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O, nature-based solutions have gained prominence as sustainable mitigation strategies. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), terrestrial vegetation absorbs nearly 30% of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions annually, highlighting the significant contribution of forests, grasslands, and wetlands to global carbon budgets. Trees with high biomass potential such as mangroves, eucalyptus, and neem sequester substantial carbon over long periods, while shrubs and grasses stabilize soil and enhance carbon storage in deeper soil layers. Wetland plants also support methane regulation by improving water filtration and fostering anaerobic microbial activity. Eco-friendly plants further mitigate climate-related impacts through shading, evapotranspiration, and microclimate regulation, reducing urban heat islands and lowering energy demands in cities. In agriculture, climate-resilient species contribute to sustainable farming by improving soil fertility, conserving water, and reducing dependence on chemical inputs. Despite these benefits, challenges such as deforestation, invasive species, and climate-induced water scarcity limit plant-based mitigation effectiveness. Strengthening policy frameworks, promoting community-led plantations, and expanding urban green infrastructure can maximize the potential of eco-friendly plants in global climate strategies. Overall, eco-friendly plants represent a cost-effective, accessible, and ecologically sustainable solution to climate change mitigation.

Keywords:

Eco-friendly plants; Carbon sequestration; Climate change mitigation; Sustainable ecosystems; Nature-based solutions.

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