Role of Campus Green in Climate Change Mitigation

Abstract

This research was conducted to assess the role of ornamental trees in mitigating climate change within the Rivers State University campus. Stratified random sampling technique was used to collect data on tree height and DBH using D-tape and clinometer. The allometric method was used to calculate the carbon the above and below ground biomass estimated from tree height and DBH. Terminalia superba, Casuarina equisetifolia and Gmelina arborea had the highest mean height of 48.24m, 40.54m and 33.66, while Monoon longifolium and Terminalia irvorensis had the least height of 29.93m and 21.49 respectively. Terminalia superba, Casuarina equisetifolia and Gmelina arborea had the highest mean diameters of 145.83cm, 90.66cm and 78.43m, while Monoon longifolium and Terminalia irvorensis recorded DBH of 58.47cm and 43.42cm. The above ground biomass was 155164.98, 50557.65 and 31283.69 tons for Terminalia superba, Casuarina equisetifolia and Gmelina arborea, while Monoon longifolium and Terminalia irvorensis recorded 15047.95 and 6150.91 tons. Terminalia superba, Casuarina equisetifolia and Gmelina arborea recorded the highest below ground biomass of 186197.96, 60669.18 and 37540.43 tons respectively and sequestered the highest carbon 206427.60, 67260.63 and 41619.05 tons respectively. This research has provided evidence on the potential of ornamental trees in mitigating climate change in the Rivers State University campus. Hence, urban planners and policy makers should incorporate trees such as Terminalia superba, Casuarina equisetifolia and Gmelina arborea in campus landscaping programs to serve dual purpose of aesthetics, climate amelioration and mitigation.