The Standing Value of Timber: The Environmental Importance of Giant Sequoias in Combating Climate Change
In the battle against climate change, one natural ally stands tall and enduring: the Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron Giganteum). Renowned for their impressive size and longevity, these ancient trees are more than just magnificent giants of the forest. They play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, a process vital for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. The unique growth characteristics of Giant Sequoias make them exceptionally effective at capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2).
In a world where carbon removal is being prioritised by governments, businesses and individuals, this tree species requires a different approach to more typical commercial forestry practices of plant, grow and fell for timber production yields and carbon credits. The standing value of Giant Sequoias far outstrips any other species and they need to be planted and allowed to grow to their full potential.
Unstoppable Growth and Carbon Sequestration
Giant Sequoias are among the oldest living organisms on Earth, with some individuals exceeding 3,000 years in age. Unlike many other tree species that experience a significant slowdown in growth as they age, Giant Sequoias continue to grow at a steady or even accelerated rate throughout their lifespan. This continuous growth is a key factor in their ability to sequester carbon effectively.
As trees grow, they absorb CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, using the carbon to build their biomass—roots, trunks, branches, and leaves. The faster a tree grows, the more CO2 it can absorb. Because Giant Sequoias do not slow their growth as they age, they incrementally capture more CO2 each year. This means that older and larger Sequoias have a substantial and growing capacity to act as carbon sinks.
The Immense Capacity of Giant Sequoias
A mature Giant Sequoia can store an enormous amount of carbon within its massive trunk and extensive root system. To put this into perspective, a single large Sequoia can store as much carbon as an entire forest of smaller trees, or more than your average UK person’s enture lifetime carbon footprint.
The Giant Sequoia’s ability continue to sequester significant amounts of carbon over centuries and millenia is in stark contrast to many other tree species, which typically slow their growth and carbon uptake after reaching maturity. The persistent and vigorous growth of older Sequoias is critical, as younger and smaller Sequoias add far less volume, and therefore sequester less carbon each year. To quantify this our models show the amount of carbon sequestered per tree at ages 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200.
Carbon dioxide sequestered in year of age of Giant Sequoia (tonnes):
Age 10: 0.01 T
Age 25: 0.07 T
Age 50: 0.3 T
Age 100: 1.2 T
Age 250: 6.45 T
The Ecological and Environmental Impact
This clearly shows the importance of preserving the existing ancient trees and their habitats, as well as creating new groves for them to thrive, to harness their natural ability to capture and store carbon far into the future.
Moreover, Giant Sequoias support diverse ecosystems. In their native US habitat they foster a rich biodiversity, providing habitat and sustenance for numerous plant and animal species. Protecting these trees also means safeguarding the broader ecological networks that depend on them, further enhancing the resilience and health of forest ecosystems.
Despite their importance, Giant Sequoias face significant threats from climate change, wildfires, insects, drought and historic felling activity. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival and continued growth.
Protecting and nurturing these trees is not just an environmental imperative but a crucial strategy in our collective efforts to combat climate change and secure a healthier planet for future generations.