Energy, fuel, and carbon

Abstract

Energy, fuel, and carbon all feature in this second issue of 2022. Dash, Pradhan, and Behera (2022) consider above-ground biomass of trees in urban parks of Bhubaneswar in India. They go on to estimate the potential carbon storage in these trees. Their research highlights the possible roles of urban greenspaces such as parks in helping to mitigate climate change drivers by storing carbon. They argue that this also provides impetus (along with other benefits) for urban planners to value such areas and to protect and enhance them. The context then switches to Ethiopia as Feyisa, Negash, and Melka (2022) examine the importance of “green infrastructure” in relation to woody plant diversity and carbon capacity in Hawassa city. The work indicated the importance of soil carbon stock in urban green infrastructure but also highlighted the predominance of exotic woody species. The authors advocate more use of appropriate native species in future planting schemes. Fitria, Cheong, Solikhin, Firdaus, and Ward (2022) researched issues of urban forest policies in Indonesia in relation to bioenergy potential of the various tree species. They conclude that a range of these tree species can be considered to have multipurpose functions to include: fuel for bioenergy, wood-based furniture, food and foraging, medicine, and many other uses. Along with producing firewood and charcoal, some of the trees could be utilised as biofuel for biogas, bio-pellet, and electricity generation. Furthermore, they suggest that this bioenergy potential of urban forest trees could help Indonesia energy-independent cities. These ideas might be transferable to other countries and regions.