Pioneering carbon sequestration studies in the Caribbean are redefining how Trinidad and Tobago measures climate action, natural capital, and sustainable forest management.
Climate change discussions often focus on advanced technologies, renewable energy systems, and industrial decarbonisation. Yet one of the world’s most effective carbon capture technologies has existed for millions of years: trees.
Forests absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and store it in trunks, branches, roots, and soil through a process known as carbon sequestration. However, the amount of carbon captured differs significantly depending on tree species, age, soil composition, climate, and geography (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC], 2022). That variability makes region-specific scientific research essential — particularly in biodiversity-rich tropical regions like the Caribbean.
In Trinidad and Tobago, The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) has partnered with The University of the West Indies to conduct one of the most groundbreaking carbon sequestration studies in the Caribbean. The initiative is helping to establish localized data on how much carbon Caribbean forests actually store and why reforestation may become one of the region’s most valuable climate solutions.
Why Carbon Sequestration Studies Matter in the Caribbean
The Caribbean remains highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including sea-level rise, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and coastal erosion (IPCC, 2022). While governments across the region have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement, accurate regional carbon accounting remains a major challenge.
That is where carbon sequestration studies become critical.
Localized forest research allows countries to:
- Quantify carbon offsets accurately
- Develop credible climate mitigation strategies
- Support carbon trading and ESG reporting
- Protect biodiversity and ecosystem services
- Strengthen nature-positive economic planning
For Trinidad and Tobago specifically, these studies provide evidence that natural capital can play a major role in national sustainability planning.
NGC’s Reforestation Programme and the “No Net Loss” Policy
NGC launched its reforestation programme in 2005 after clearing forested land for infrastructure developments, including the Cross-Island Pipeline, Beachfield Upstream Development, and Union Industrial Estate projects.
The programme aligned with the company’s environmental commitment to achieving “no net loss” from business operations.
Working alongside Trinidad and Tobago’s Forestry Division, the company replanted forested acreage across seven phases in key conservancies:
- Rousillac
- Guapo-Parrylands
- Moruga
- Rio Claro
- Mayaro
More than 100,000 saplings representing 17 species of tropical hardwood and fruit trees were planted.
This initiative evolved beyond traditional CSR into a measurable climate action programme grounded in science, sustainability, and ecosystem restoration.
Understanding Natural Carbon Storage
Above-Ground vs Below-Ground Biomass
One of the most important contributions of the NGC-UWI research project was its focus on both above-ground and below-ground carbon stores.
Above-Ground Biomass Includes:
- Tree trunks
- Branches
- Leaves
- Shoots
Below-Ground Biomass Includes:
- Root systems
- Soil-linked organic storage
Scientists have historically focused more heavily on above-ground biomass because it is easier to measure. However, roots and underground systems store enormous amounts of carbon and play a critical role in long-term sequestration.
Why Below-Ground Carbon Matters
Below-ground biomass acts as a long-term carbon sink because root systems remain stable underground for extended periods, reducing atmospheric CO₂ accumulation.
This makes underground carbon storage especially valuable in climate mitigation modelling.
The First Below-Ground Carbon Sequestration Study in the Caribbean
In 2018, the UWI research team led by Professor John Agard was commissioned to calculate the amount of carbon stored in the above-ground biomass of NGC’s planted forests.
The initial findings demonstrated significant sequestration potential. However, researchers recognised that the study only captured part of the story.
In 2020, NGC returned to UWI to conduct the Caribbean’s first below-ground biomass carbon density study.
Researchers obtained permits from the Forestry Division to fell seven sample trees for root excavation and analysis. Root systems were weighed and tested in laboratories to verify existing scientific formulas under local tropical conditions.
The findings confirmed that established international biomass ratios accurately applied to Trinidad and Tobago’s forests.
That validation represented a major scientific milestone for regional climate research.
Carbon Sequestration Results: What the Study Found
The combined above-ground and below-ground findings revealed substantial carbon storage across NGC’s reforested sites.
Total Carbon Estimate in 2020
|
Site |
Above-Ground Carbon (kg) |
Below-Ground Carbon (kg) |
Total Carbon (kg) |
|
Rousillac |
1,785,891 |
464,330 |
2,250,222 |
|
Moruga |
339,953 |
88,388 |
428,342 |
|
Mayaro |
164,029 |
42,648 |
206,677 |
|
Rio Claro |
125 |
33 |
158 |
|
Total |
2,289,998 |
595,366 |
2,885,399 |
The study concluded that by 2020, NGC’s forests had sequestered approximately:
- 2,885 metric tons of pure carbon
- Equivalent to 10,589 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂)
At 2020 market prices of €39.28 per ton, the carbon value was estimated at approximately €415,946, or nearly TT$3.5 million.
Researchers further estimated that these numbers could increase more than sixteen-fold by 2030 as the forests mature.
Forests vs Passenger Vehicle Emissions
The findings become even more compelling when translated into real-world climate comparisons.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a typical passenger vehicle emits approximately 4.6 metric tons of CO₂ annually (EPA, 2023).
Using that benchmark, NGC’s reforestation programme is projected to offset emissions equivalent to approximately 20,559 passenger vehicles annually between 2020 and 2030.
This comparison demonstrates how strategic reforestation programmes can contribute significantly to national carbon mitigation efforts.
Why Younger Trees Capture Carbon Faster
One of the study’s most important discoveries involved the sequestration rate of younger forests.
The Rio Claro sites — planted between 2014 and 2017 — are projected to increase carbon storage more than 70,000-fold by 2030 compared to current levels.
Older forests, such as those in Rousillac, are expected to increase carbon storage by approximately six-fold during the same period.
This occurs because younger trees grow rapidly and accumulate biomass at accelerated rates during their developmental phase.
Why This Matters
The findings reinforce the argument that:
- Large-scale tree planting remains one of the fastest nature-based climate solutions
- Young forests are critical for long-term carbon removal
- Reforestation investments can produce measurable ESG value
What Is “Blue Carbon” and Why NASA Is Interested
The study also attracted international attention.
Representatives from NASA and the Inter-American Development Bank reportedly contacted the UWI research team to discuss lessons learned for future Caribbean “blue carbon” initiatives.
What Is Blue Carbon?
Blue carbon refers to carbon captured and stored by coastal ecosystems such as:
- Mangroves
- Seagrass beds
- Salt marshes
These ecosystems can sequester carbon at rates significantly higher than terrestrial forests while simultaneously protecting coastlines from erosion and storm surges.
For island nations, blue carbon may become one of the most valuable climate adaptation and mitigation tools available.
Beyond 315: Expanding Sustainable Forest Management
NGC has since integrated the research into a broader sustainability initiative called Beyond 315.
The programme seeks to:
- Expand reforestation activities
- Promote sustainable forest management
- Encourage community entrepreneurship
- Share climate research knowledge
- Increase public participation in tree-planting exercises
Importantly, Beyond 315 positions forests not merely as environmental assets but as economic and social development tools.
This reflects a growing global shift toward a nature-positive economy, where ecological restoration and economic resilience work together rather than in opposition.
Natural Technology and Climate Innovation
NGC’s carbon sequestration work forms part of a wider portfolio of climate-focused initiatives.
Additional sustainability projects include:
- Methane emissions monitoring using satellite and infrared technology
- Green hydrogen exploration
- Solar energy investments
- Drone-assisted environmental monitoring
- Energy efficiency awareness campaigns
- Climate mitigation partnerships with University of Trinidad and Tobago
Collectively, these efforts demonstrate how traditional energy companies are increasingly integrating ESG strategy, climate science, and low-carbon innovation into long-term operations.
Yet amid all the advanced technologies, the study reinforces a remarkably simple truth:
Trees remain among humanity’s most powerful climate allies.
The Bigger Lesson for Caribbean Sustainability
NGC’s pioneering carbon sequestration studies in the Caribbean demonstrate that climate action is no longer theoretical. It is measurable, localised, and increasingly data-driven.
The research also highlights the importance of investing in natural capital alongside industrial transformation.
For Caribbean nations seeking pathways toward climate resilience, sustainable development, and Paris Agreement compliance, forests may prove just as important as renewable energy infrastructure.
The humble tree — rooted quietly in the soil — may ultimately become one of the region’s most strategic climate technologies.
Key Takeaways
- NGC and UWI conducted the Caribbean’s first below-ground carbon sequestration study.
- More than 100,000 trees across Trinidad and Tobago now store measurable carbon reserves.
- The forests had already sequestered over 10,589 metric tons of CO₂ by 2020.
- Younger trees absorb carbon faster during growth phases.
- NASA and the IDB expressed interest in applying lessons to blue carbon research.
- Reforestation programmes can support ESG goals, biodiversity restoration, and climate resilience simultaneously.
Learnings
What is carbon sequestration?
Carbon sequestration is the process by which trees, plants, and ecosystems absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Why is below-ground biomass important?
Roots and underground systems store significant amounts of long-term carbon, making them critical for accurate climate accounting.
What is blue carbon?
Blue carbon refers to carbon captured by marine and coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrasses.
Why do younger trees absorb carbon faster?
Young trees grow rapidly and accumulate biomass quickly, resulting in higher carbon sequestration rates during early development stages.
How does reforestation help climate change?
Reforestation removes atmospheric carbon dioxide, restores ecosystems, supports biodiversity, and strengthens climate resilience.
References
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2022). Climate change 2022: Mitigation of climate change. Cambridge University Press. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg3/
National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited. (2021). Beyond 315 sustainability and climate action initiatives. NGC Trinidad and Tobago.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Greenhouse gas emissions from a typical passenger vehicle. https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/greenhouse-gas-emissions-typical-passenger-vehicle
World Bank. (2023). Forest area (% of land area) – Trinidad and Tobago. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/AG.LND.FRST.ZS?locations=TT
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. (2015). Paris Agreement. https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement
Agard, J., & The University of the West Indies. (2020). Carbon sequestration assessment of NGC reforestation programme. The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (2021). Blue carbon ecosystems and climate resilience. https://climate.nasa.gov
Inter-American Development Bank. (2021). Nature-based solutions and blue carbon initiatives in the Caribbean. https://www.iadb.org/en