Question

Given below are two statements
Statement I: Trees and forests are major means for combating climate change.
Statement II: Forests contain 662 billion tonnes of carbon, which is more than half the global carbon stock in soils and vegetation.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Hint:

Carbon stocks in forests: ~45% is in the biomass (living trees), while ~44% is in the soil. The total sum is the 662 billion tonnes figure often cited by FAO.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to evaluate two factual statements regarding the role of forests in the global carbon cycle and climate change mitigation.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Statement I analysis: Trees absorb Carbon Dioxide (\(CO_2\)) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and store it in their biomass (wood, leaves, roots) and in the soil. This process, known as carbon sequestration, is a primary nature-based solution to mitigate global warming. Thus, Statement I is true.

• Statement II analysis: According to the FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment, the world's forests act as a massive carbon sink. The total carbon stock in forests (including biomass, deadwood, litter, and soil organic matter) is estimated at approximately 662 billion tonnes. This stock represents more than half of all carbon found in the world's vegetation and topsoil. Thus, Statement II is true.

• Conclusion: Both statements provide accurate scientific data regarding the ecological importance of forests as carbon reservoirs.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.