Himanshu Tiwari

Large-scale carbon farming projects, such as tree plantations and land management for carbon sequestration, can offer benefits in terms of emission reduction but also come with ecological and environmental challenges. One of the main trade-offs is the potential threat to biodiversity, as monoculture plantations may reduce the diversity of plant and animal species. Additionally, excessive use of land for carbon sequestration can negatively impact soil quality and water resources, including drainage and erosion. Integrating regenerative agricultural techniques, such as crop rotation, cover crops, composting, and agroforestry systems, can help preserve soil health, improve the water cycle, and support biodiversity. These techniques not only increase the land’s capacity for carbon sequestration but also enhance its fertility and resilience to climate change, providing long-term ecological benefits and sustainable agriculture.

Large-scale carbon farming can have environmental trade-offs, such as impacts on biodiversity, soil health, and water management, but these can be mitigated with regenerative practices. Integrating techniques like agroforestry, cover crops, and efficient water use can enhance biodiversity and soil health while maximizing carbon sequestration.

Large-scale carbon farming offers environmental benefits by enhancing soil carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change. However, it also involves trade-offs. These include potential monoculture expansion, disruption of native ecosystems, increased water usage, and land-use conflicts—especially if food production is displaced. Additionally, ecological outcomes vary by region, and poorly managed carbon schemes may prioritize carbon credits over biodiversity or long-term sustainability. Effective implementation requires balancing carbon goals with local ecological integrity and food security.