Novel carbon dynamics assessment framework reveals climate positive land management approaches across North America

Bibliographic Data

ID11461963
AuthorsKayla Stan (0000-0002-2159-3090, corresponding author), Graham Watt, Geo Watt, Arturo Sanchez-Azofeifa, Arturo Sánchez‐Azofeifa (0000-0001-7768-6600)
Year2026
Volume162
Pages107890
Publication date2026-03-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueLand Use Policy (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0264-8377 • E-ISSN: 1873-5754
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.landusepol.2025.107890
OpenAlexW4417011818
LanguageEN
References cited49

Natural climate solutions (NCS) can foster ecosystem resiliency and mitigate climate change. However, a gap exists between carbon cycle science and decision support systems. Bridging this gap can advance climate positive land management and promote the implementation of natural climate solutions. Here, we propose a novel framework to assess carbon dynamics to reveal management approaches for land cover at a 300 m resolution within which natural climate solutions can be more readily identified and applied. We use annual land cover change and model the associated carbon dynamics to categorize the sub-regional ecodistricts of Canada and the USA into the most effective NCS category based on its current change dynamics. Restoration NCS may be a useful strategy in the southern boreal forest, southeastern USA (Eastern Temperate Forest), and western Canadian Cordillera, while Protection NCS should be focused in the Great Plains and the far North. Specifically, we find that 9 % of ecodistricts, and 23 % of land area, would be best managed through protection-based nature climate solutions, while 27 % of ecodistricts, and 26 % of land area, should be managed using restoration climate solutions. This transferable framework can be used to target the sub-regional implementation of different NCS strategies based on local-level land cover changes and carbon dynamics. • Novel framework integrates LCC & carbon modeling to propose NCS management solutions. • Framework can track effectiveness of implemented natural climate solutions over time. • 23 % of North America suited for protection-based climate solutions. • 26 % of area requires restoration solutions, with 5 % needing immediate prioritization

Carbon fibers · Carbon flux · Climate change · Greenhouse gas · Land management · Land use · Fire effects on ecosystems · Plant Water Relations and Carbon Dynamics · Remote Sensing in Agriculture

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access