Carbon credit: Harnessing green solutions for climate mitigation

Climate change is a serious global challenge with rising greenhouse gas emissions driving the need for effective carbon sequestration strategies. Carbon sequestration plants, such as fast-growing tree species, bioenergy plants, agroforestry systems, and blue carbon ecosystems, play a critical role in capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Despite increasing interest, there is a lack of integrated reviews that connect plant-based sequestration mechanisms with emerging technologies and policy instruments such as carbon credits. This review explores the mechanisms of carbon sequestration in plants, emphasizing the contributions through aboveground and belowground biomass accumulation, soil carbon retention, and microbial interactions. Key plant species, including Eucalyptus, Paulownia, bamboo, and mangroves, have demonstrated high sequestration potential and are discussed. This article aims to synthesize current knowledge while identifying opportunities for enhancing carbon sequestration through biotechnology and policy. This review also highlights emerging biotechnological advancements, such as genetic modifications, to improve carbon uptake efficiency and growing potential of blue carbon ecosystems. Emerging digital tools such as AI-based monitoring and blockchain supported carbon credit tracking are discussed as complementary systems to improve data transparency, verification and trust in carbon markets. By aligning scientific innovation with policy and social engagement, carbon credit can serve as a key element for climate mitigation strategies.