Structural Attributes of Urban Trees Controlling Carbon Dioxide Sequestration: An Applied Study in Al-Umma Park – Baghdad

Authors

  • AL-ZAHRAA A. MOHSEN Department of Atmospheric Sciences, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
  • ASRAA KHTAN ABDULKAREEM Department of Atmospheric Sciences, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54386/jam.v28i2.3403

Keywords:

Climate resilient, Tree biomass, Urban park, Sustainable urban planning, CO2 Sequestration

Abstract

With the dramatically increasing global urbanization, cities have evolved as a leading Greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions contributor. In this regard, urban parks are important carbon sinks as trees absorb Carbon Dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis that helps in achieving climate sustainability. The current study aimed to evaluate the sequestered CO2 by urban trees in a park in Baghdad called Al- Umma Park. The estimate was based on field measurements of each tree for six dominant species of 236 individual: Acacia spp., Ficus religiosa, Ficus benghalensis, Albizia lebbeck, Phoenix dactylifera, and Syzygium cumini. CO2 sequestration were estimated using allometric equations. Results showed that Phoenix dactylifera had the highest average annual CO2 sequestration (38.39 ± 9.87 kg/year per tree). While Acacia spp. obtained the least (1.73 ± 0.47 kg/year per tree). The total annual sequestration for all trees was 4047.2 kg/year. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that tree structural attributes strongly explain variations in annual CO2 sequestration (R² = 0.97, p < 0.001). Tree diameter emerged as the primary predictor of sequestration potential, while tree height contributed a secondary but significant effect. Overall, results highlight the relevance of urban parks to improving carbon balance locally and contribute to urban sustainability.

Author Biographies

AL-ZAHRAA A. MOHSEN, Department of Atmospheric Sciences, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq

I am Al-Zahraa A. Mohsen PhD candidate in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq. I obtained my Master in 2021 from the same department. My doctoral research focuses on assessing the carbon sequestration potential of urban trees using field-based measurements data. My research interests include urban climate, carbon cycling, sustainable green infrastructure, and the application of GIS and statistical modeling in environmental studies. She has actively contributed to academic seminars and scientific workshops focused on climate action, carbon mitigation, and urban sustainability in Iraq.

ASRAA KHTAN ABDULKAREEM, Department of Atmospheric Sciences, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq

Dr. Asraa Khtan Abdulkareem is an Assistant Professor and the current Head of the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq. She holds a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences (2004–2008). Her research interests focus on climate change, sustainability, desertification and drought, as well as the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and statistical analysis in meteorology. She is an active participant in national and international workshops and conferences related to atmospheric sciences and climate change.

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Published

04-06-2026

How to Cite

MOHSEN, A.-Z. A., & KHTAN ABDULKAREEM, A. (2026). Structural Attributes of Urban Trees Controlling Carbon Dioxide Sequestration: An Applied Study in Al-Umma Park – Baghdad. Journal of Agrometeorology, 28(2), 177–184. https://doi.org/10.54386/jam.v28i2.3403

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 2 (2026): June

Section

Research Paper

Categories

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