Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Advisor
Jennifer Krumins
Access Type
Open Access
Start Date
26-4-2024 9:45 AM
End Date
26-4-2024 10:44 AM
Description
Recent research highlights the decline in blue carbon within mangrove ecosystems due to anthropogenic pressures. We investigate the impact of human population density on soil carbon stocks in urban mangrove forests to assess their contribution to the global carbon budget. Conducting a global analysis, we compile mangrove soil carbon data and calculate population density using European Commission records. Findings reveal a negative correlation between population density and mangrove soil carbon stocks. Specifically, when population density exceeds 300 people km−2, soil carbon decreases by 37% compared to isolated mangrove forests. However, accounting for climatic variables diminishes this negative relationship, rendering it insignificant in mixed effects models. This suggests population density alone may not accurately reflect human impacts on mangrove ecosystems, indicating that even in densely populated areas, mangrove forests can retain significant carbon stocks. Our study underscores the importance of conserving existing mangroves, especially in high-density urban areas, and advocates for further research on the relationship between human activities and mangrove carbon stocks.
Global Analysis of Human Population Density and Blue Carbon Stocks in Mangrove Soils
Recent research highlights the decline in blue carbon within mangrove ecosystems due to anthropogenic pressures. We investigate the impact of human population density on soil carbon stocks in urban mangrove forests to assess their contribution to the global carbon budget. Conducting a global analysis, we compile mangrove soil carbon data and calculate population density using European Commission records. Findings reveal a negative correlation between population density and mangrove soil carbon stocks. Specifically, when population density exceeds 300 people km−2, soil carbon decreases by 37% compared to isolated mangrove forests. However, accounting for climatic variables diminishes this negative relationship, rendering it insignificant in mixed effects models. This suggests population density alone may not accurately reflect human impacts on mangrove ecosystems, indicating that even in densely populated areas, mangrove forests can retain significant carbon stocks. Our study underscores the importance of conserving existing mangroves, especially in high-density urban areas, and advocates for further research on the relationship between human activities and mangrove carbon stocks.