Net Emissions/Removals of Carbon Dioxide from Grasslands (in Gigagrams)

Grasslands play a vital role in carbon dynamics, acting as both sources and sinks for carbon dioxide (CO2). This dataset ranks countries by their net CO2 emissions or removals from grasslands, highlighting regions with the greatest emissions and opportunities for carbon mitigation through improved land management.

Which countries have the highest grassland CO2 emissions?

Indonesia leads with 12,150.9 gigagrams of net CO2 emissions, followed by the United States (6,695.6 gigagrams) and Zambia (4,317.7 gigagrams). These high levels reflect extensive land-use changes, overgrazing, and poor grassland management practices in these regions.

Top 10 countries by grassland CO2 emissions

The countries with the highest net emissions from grasslands are:

1. Indonesia – 12,150.9 gigagrams
2. United States – 6,695.6 gigagrams
3. Zambia – 4,317.7 gigagrams
4. Cambodia – 3,285.2 gigagrams
5. Philippines – 2,919.1 gigagrams
6. Laos – 2,520.7 gigagrams
7. Argentina – 1,350.2 gigagrams
8. Malaysia – 1,161.7 gigagrams
9. Mexico – 1,106.8 gigagrams
10. United Kingdom – 1,103.1 gigagrams

These nations face significant challenges in managing grasslands sustainably to reduce carbon emissions.

Which countries have minimal or zero grassland CO2 emissions?

Several countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, report net-zero CO2 emissions from grasslands. This is often due to limited grassland coverage or effective land-use practices that offset emissions.

How do grassland CO2 emissions impact climate change?

Grasslands that emit significant amounts of CO2 contribute to atmospheric carbon levels, exacerbating climate change. Poor grassland management, such as overgrazing and deforestation, reduces carbon sequestration capacity and accelerates land degradation, further increasing emissions.

Why do some countries have high grassland CO2 emissions?

High emissions are typically caused by deforestation, land conversion for agriculture, overgrazing, and wildfires. Countries with extensive grassland areas and intensive land use are particularly prone to higher emissions.

What strategies can reduce grassland CO2 emissions?

Strategies to mitigate emissions include sustainable grazing practices, afforestation, reforestation, and restoration of degraded grasslands. Policies that promote conservation and sustainable land management can significantly enhance the carbon sink potential of grasslands.

What global trends are evident in grassland CO2 emissions?

Countries with large grassland ecosystems in regions such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas exhibit the highest emissions due to intensive land use. Conversely, smaller or well-managed grasslands, particularly in developed countries with strong environmental policies, exhibit minimal or zero emissions, underscoring the importance of sustainable land management practices globally.