Abstract:
This study assesses and evaluates the key regulating ecosystem services in Pakistan at a national scale, with a focus on soil erosion prevention, sediment retention, and carbon sequestration, and their linkage to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 (climate action). The study uses mixed methods to evaluate the provision of these services and their value, with a special focus on replacement and avoided cost methods and carbon tax methods. The study finds that Pakistan is facing significant challenges in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals due to unstable political governance, exponential population growth, and increasing climate change pressures. Pakistan is the most vulnerable country to climate change impacts, facing frequent glacial lake outburst flood events and disasters. Soil erosion prevention and sediment retention are critical for maintaining healthy ecosystems, and the inclusion of vegetation cover factor significantly reduces soil erosion. The total value of soil/nutrient retention and sediment retention is high in Pakistan, with offsite (sediment removal) cost being much higher than onsite (mineral) cost. The major driving forces of soil erosion and sediment transport are vegetation cover, precipitation, and slope angle. Carbon sequestration is crucial for climate action, and the study estimates the total value of carbon sequestered in Pakistan to be significant, with more contribution from Punjab followed by Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, carbon loss occurred during certain years, indicating the need for urgent steps to be taken to enhance carbon stock and moderate climate by carbon sequestration. Carbon emission is the major cause of global warming and further melting glaciers and rising sea level. The study provides comprehensive findings to frame policy and accelerate the billion trees plantation program to prevent soil erosion, enhance carbon stock, and achieve UN SDG 13 (climate action) in Pakistan. The findings suggest that urgent steps need to be taken to impose a carbon tax and enhance carbon stock through planting trees and promoting sustainable natural resource management practices. The study provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing global efforts to address climate change and achieve sustainable development.
Page(s):
152-152
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Abstract Book on Second International Conference on Recent Approaches in Plant Sciences (RAPS-23) 4-5 May 2023 , Volume: 0, Issue: 0, Year: 2023
Keywords:
Climate change
,
Regulating ecosystem services
,
carbon sequestration
,
Sustainable Development Goals
,
soil erosion