Why Biodiversity Makes Forests Better At Sequestering Carbon
Forests play a critical role in the global fight against climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in trees, plants, and soil. However, not all forests are equally effective at carbon sequestering. The level of biodiversity within a forest significantly influences how much carbon it can store, how long that carbon remains locked away, and how resilient the ecosystem is to climate stressors. In short, more biodiversity leads to stronger, more climate-resilient carbon sinks.
Not All Forests Store Carbon Equally
While all forests absorb carbon, not all are equally effective at storing it for the long term. Monoculture forests—planted with just one species of tree—may grow quickly, but they often lack the complexity needed for lasting carbon sequestering. Without species diversity, these forests are more vulnerable to disease, pests, and climate stress. They also tend to have weaker soil health, limited root systems, and reduced habitat value for other organisms.
In contrast, biodiverse forests are dynamic, multi-layered ecosystems. They support a variety of plant and animal life, build healthier soils, and are better equipped to store carbon in different parts of the landscape—from treetops to underground.
Diverse Species, Stronger Carbon Sinks
A biodiverse forest includes many types of trees, shrubs, grasses, fungi, and microbes. Each of these species contributes differently to the forest ecosystem. Some trees grow quickly and absorb large amounts of carbon in a short time, while others grow slowly but store carbon for longer periods. When a forest includes a mix of species with different growth rates and structures, it sequesters carbon more efficiently and distributes it across various layers of the ecosystem—from canopy to roots to soil.
Soil Health and Carbon Storage Go Hand in Hand
Healthy soil is another major factor in forest-based carbon storage. In biodiverse forests, a wide variety of plant species support rich underground ecosystems made up of bacteria, fungi, and insects. These organisms break down fallen leaves, dead roots, and other organic material, turning it into forms of carbon that stay in the soil for a long time. This stable soil carbon can remain locked away for decades or even centuries, helping forests store more carbon over the long term. A rich root system—driven by species diversity—also helps prevent erosion, improves water retention, and strengthens long-term carbon storage in the ground.
Resilience Under Climate Pressure
Biodiverse forests are also more resilient to climate change. In the face of threats like drought, wildfire, disease, or insect outbreaks, a diverse forest is more likely to maintain its carbon storage function. While one species may be affected, others can continue to thrive and sustain the ecosystem. This ecological redundancy helps ensure that carbon sequestering continues even under stress.
But biodiversity doesn’t just protect against biological threats—it also helps forests withstand extreme climate events. In a biodiverse forest, varied tree heights, root depths, and leaf structures reduce the risk of catastrophic loss during wildfires, floods, or windstorms. For example, deep-rooted species improve soil stability and drainage during heavy rains, while broad canopies can slow down wind and suppress undergrowth that fuels fires. Monoculture plantations—forests made up of a single species—lack this complexity. They’re more likely to suffer widespread damage during extreme weather and are slower to recover, reducing their long-term ability to store carbon.
Biodiversity as a Climate Solution
At Roots, we focus on biodiverse reforestation because it produces long-term climate benefits. By planting native species and restoring degraded landscapes with ecological integrity, we help build forests that not only store more carbon, but also support biodiversity, improve water systems, and enhance local resilience. Biodiversity is not just a feature of healthy forests—it is a key factor in their ability to function as effective climate solutions.
