Potensi Sekuestrasi Karbon pada Ruang Terbuka Hijau (RTH) Kota Medan

Abstract

Increased urban activity and population growth in Medan City contribute to increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which have an impact on climate change. Green Open Spaces (GOS) play an important role as emitter absorbers through the process of carbon sequestration. This study aims to determine the carbon sequestration potential of three GOS in Medan City: Maharani Park, Ahmad Yani Park, and Cadika Park. The research method involved measuring carbon reserves in four carbon pools, namely above-ground biomass (trees, poles, stakes, seedlings, undergrowth), litter, necromass (dead trees and dead wood), and soil organic matter. Data collection was carried out through a combination of destructive and non-destructive sampling methods. Biomass, carbon stock, and CO2 sequestration potential calculations were analyzed using allometric equations and laboratory test results. The results showed that Cadika Park had the highest carbon sequestration potential at 25,404 tons/ha, followed by Ahmad Yani Park at 6,288.11 tons/ha, and Maharani Park at the lowest at 3,618 tons/ha. Among all carbon pools measured, soil organic matter was the largest carbon store in all three locations. This study concluded that green spaces in Medan City, especially Maharani Park, have enormous potential to absorb CO2, and soil organic matter management is an important factor in maximizing the ecological function of urban green spaces.