The Impact of Carbon Farming on Reducing Carbon Emissions (A Case Study of Residential Neighborhoods in Greater Cairo, 2030)

Major cities such as those in Greater Cairo face environmental challenges caused by climate change and rising carbon emissions, which negatively affect air quality. The research problem lies in the deterioration of air quality in the region’s cities. According to the air quality index from the IQAir platform, Greater Cairo records an average between 59 and 85, while the global healthy average is below 50 (IQAir, 2025). It is essential to study mechanisms that contribute to lowering this rate, such as rooftop farming, through a quantitative assessment of its potential within the 2030 regional housing plan in reducing emissions and supporting carbon trading. This research highlights the potential of rooftop farming in reducing emissions, supporting carbon markets, and enhancing urban sustainability. To achieve these objectives, the study applied two approaches: (1) an analytical approach to review climate change impacts and the role of rooftop farming as a mitigation strategy, and (2) a statistical approach to estimate the number of carbon credits expected. Results revealed that rooftop farming in the 2030 housing plan could remove approximately 61,096.2 to 140,907 tons of CO₂-equivalent annually. It also represents an effective tool for enhancing sustainability in urban planning by expanding green cover, delivering environmental benefits that improve quality of life, and supporting local identity and national climate policies. Compared with the goals of Greater Cairo’s 2030 strategic urban development plan, rooftop farming can contribute to spatial justice, economic efficiency, and natural resource conservation, positioning it as a sustainable solution aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030.