Explainer: Terrestrial Carbon Storage

View this graphic in full screen (!)

Key takeaways

• Forests store the largest amount of terrestrial carbon (carbon that is in the earth)
• Grasslands also play a massive role in mitigating climate change

Benefits of grasslands

90% of carbon stored in grasslands is located deep underground in roots and soils. As a result, this storage system is more stable than forests, which release their stored carbon when burned. 

Another benefit of grasslands is their ability to regulate temperature by reflecting solar radiation. 

Lacking protection

Grasslands are among the most extensive biomes on Earth, covering a massive portion of its land surface. 

Unfortunately, grasslands receive very little protection. According to the World Resources Institute, only 4.6% of temperate grasslands are protected, compared to 18% of forests.