Bridging Carbon Neutrality Goals and Urban Forest Realities: Evidence from Roxbury, Boston

This study examines whether urban forest expansion can meaningfully contribute to neighborhood-level carbon neutrality goals through analysis of Roxbury, Boston's 3,832-tree urban forest. We found that achieving 100 tonnes CO2e annual sequestration would require a 4.4-fold expansion (13,000 additional trees). While challenging, economic analysis reveals strong viability when ecosystem co-benefits are included (Benefit-Cost Ratio: 4.64). The $9.08 million investment over 30 years positions urban forestry as a moderately expensive but multi-benefit climate strategy. With only 28.3% native species currently, significant opportunities exist for ecological enhancement. Our findings demonstrate that urban forests provide essential contributions to urban sustainability when integrated within comprehensive climate action portfolios, though they cannot serve as standalone carbon solutions.This research provides practical guidance for cities worldwide seeking to implement nature-based climate solutions at the neighborhood scale, with particular relevance for environmental justice communities.