Bamboo carbon pathways: sustainable approach to climate change mitigation

Abstract

Climate change is greatly influenced by increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. This necessitates the adoption of effective mitigation strategies. Bamboo is identified as a fast-growing, potentially valuable resource for climate change mitigation. This review analyses existing literature on bamboo carbon pathways, focusing on biomass carbon sequestration, soil organic carbon, net ecosystem productivity and carbon storage in harvested bamboo products. Bamboo systems exhibit substantial carbon sequestration rates, with rapid biomass accumulation, continuous litter input and extensive rhizome-root networks that enhance soil organic carbon stabilisation. Bamboo differs from other tree species due to its rapid growth and ability to be selectively harvested, both of which enhance its carbon sequestration potential. Bamboo contributes to long-term carbon storage through durable products and offers significant potential for emissions reductions by substituting carbon-intensive materials. It was noted that the carbon sequestration efficiency of bamboo ecosystems is highly influenced by species selection, management practices and environmental conditions, with intensive management potentially reducing carbon sink capacity. Policy frameworks and carbon market mechanisms, increasingly recognise bamboo’s role, although limitations such as the lack of standardised methodologies and species-specific emission factors hinder large-scale implementation. Bamboo ecosystems represent a viable and sustainable solution for climate change mitigation, provided that optimised management practices and supportive policy interventions are implemented.