Afforestation and Climate Action: Social Barriers Limit CO₂ Sequestration
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The study shows that around 75% of the estimated global potential for CO₂ sequestration through afforestation and reforestation may be constrained by social and institutional barriers. To investigate these challenges, the researchers combined insights from case studies with AI-assisted analyses of global datasets. They identified poverty, food insecurity, insecure land tenure, and weak governance as key obstacles.
Afforestation as a Means of Carbon Dioxide Removal
Forests absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and store carbon in biomass and soils. Afforestation and reforestation can therefore make an important contribution to climate action. However, their success depends on more than the availability of suitable land.
New forest areas can compete with agriculture, food production and local livelihoods. Secure land tenure, effective governance and sustained local support are also essential to ensure that afforestation projects remain viable over the long term.
LMU Study Highlights Global Barriers
A study published in the journal One Earth, led by LMU geographer Wenkai Bao, finds that around three-quarters of the estimated global potential for CO₂ sequestration through afforestation and reforestation may face significant social and institutional barriers.
The research team combined evidence from case studies with machine learning and analyses of extensive global datasets. The findings highlight that theoretical carbon removal potential does not automatically translate into achievable climate benefits.
Key barriers include poverty, food insecurity, insecure land tenure and weak governance. Limited forestry infrastructure and insufficient engagement with local stakeholders can further hinder forest establishment, maintenance and long-term preservation. These challenges vary considerably by region: while Europe and China face comparatively fewer barriers, they are more pronounced in Africa, India and Brazil.
Sustainable Afforestation Requires Social Responsibility
Effective climate action requires more than simply planting trees. Projects must protect local communities’ rights and livelihoods while ensuring long-term economic and institutional support. Neglecting these factors can lead to project failure, land-use conflicts and lower levels of long-term carbon sequestration.
Prof. Dr Julia Pongratz, spokesperson for CDRterra and co-author of the study, highlights the importance of scaling up carbon dioxide removal to meet climate targets. Afforestation can play a significant role, but it must complement other climate mitigation measures and the development of technological approaches to CO₂ removal.
The study demonstrates that the actual carbon sequestration potential of forests depends heavily on social, economic and institutional conditions. Sustainable afforestation must therefore combine environmental objectives with social responsibility and form part of a comprehensive climate strategy.