The Role of Grasslands in Carbon Sequestration

Discover the vital role grasslands play in carbon sequestration, climate resilience, and ecosystem balance—an often overlooked solution in the fight against climate change.

Written by Warrence Oghenevwegba

Published On: April 8, 2025, 4:07 P.M

In the global quest to combat climate change, forests often take center stage. Towering trees and lush canopies dominate the narrative of carbon storage. But while the world gazes skyward, it often overlooks what lies beneath—grasslands, the silent warriors of carbon sequestration.

Have we been underestimating the power of grasslands to fight climate change all along?

Grasslands, which span nearly one-third of the Earth’s land surface, play a crucial but often underrated role in maintaining ecological balance. These ecosystems—ranging from North America's prairies to the African savannas and Eurasian steppes—support biodiversity, regulate water cycles, and most importantly, capture and store vast amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Unlike forests that store most of their carbon in biomass above ground, grasslands sequester carbon primarily in their soil. Through photosynthesis, grasses absorb CO₂ and channel carbon into their roots. Over time, this organic matter accumulates and enhances soil carbon content. When left undisturbed, grasslands can lock away carbon for centuries—making them a remarkably stable carbon sink.

Take, for example, the tallgrass prairies of the United States. Research shows these ecosystems can store more than 200 metric tons of carbon per hectare, with up to 90% of that stored underground. Even during wildfires or droughts, the deep-rooted grasses maintain their carbon-storing capacity, making grasslands more resilient than forests in some climates.

This resilience offers a practical advantage in our current climate crisis. While forests are vulnerable to deforestation, pests, and increasingly intense wildfires, grasslands are better equipped to bounce back from disturbance. Their underground carbon pools are less likely to be released during surface-level destruction, reducing the risk of sudden carbon emissions.

Moreover, restoring degraded grasslands can significantly boost their sequestration potential. Techniques such as rotational grazing, replanting native grasses, and preventing overgrazing have been shown to regenerate soil health and increase carbon capture. For instance, in parts of Australia and Kenya, regenerative grazing practices have not only improved carbon storage but also boosted agricultural productivity and biodiversity.

Beyond carbon, grasslands offer co-benefits that strengthen their role in climate mitigation. They support pollinators vital for food security, reduce erosion, and help recharge groundwater supplies. In communities across Africa and Asia, well-managed grasslands sustain pastoral livelihoods and buffer rural economies against the impacts of climate variability.

Despite their importance, grasslands continue to be threatened by agricultural expansion, urban development, and desertification. Each year, millions of hectares are lost or degraded, releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), restoring grasslands and other ecosystems could provide up to 30% of the cost-effective mitigation needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Yet, international policies and carbon markets often overlook grasslands in favor of reforestation efforts. While planting trees is important, it shouldn't eclipse the potential of these open landscapes. Recognizing grasslands in climate strategies, incentivizing their protection, and investing in restoration can unlock a nature-based solution that is both scalable and sustainable.

So, why aren't we investing more in these vast, carbon-rich landscapes beneath our feet?

The time has come to shift the narrative. Grasslands are not empty lands waiting to be transformed—they are dynamic, living systems that, when nurtured, can help balance the global carbon budget. Protecting them is not just an environmental priority; it is a climate imperative.

Let’s not wait until they’re gone to realize their value. What steps can we take today to ensure that the quiet strength of grasslands continues to serve generations to come?