The Unsung Heroes of Carbon Sequestration: How Fungi Are Fighting Climate Change

When we think about combating climate change, images of towering forests, vast oceans, and renewable energy projects often come to mind. But beneath our feet lies a hidden world that plays a critical role in capturing and storing carbon: the world of fungi. These often-overlooked organisms are not just decomposers or the stuff of fairy tales, they are powerful allies in the fight against climate change. Let’s dive into the fascinating role of fungi in carbon sequestration and why they deserve a spotlight in the conversation about sustainability.

What is carbon sequestration?

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) to mitigate climate change. While plants are well-known for absorbing CO₂ through photosynthesis, the story doesn’t end there. A significant portion of the carbon captured by plants is transferred to the soil, where fungi play a crucial role in locking it away for the long term.

The Fungal Network: Fungi's Carbon Storage System

Fungi, particularly mycorrhizal fungi, form symbiotic relationships with plants. These fungi extend their thread-like structures, called hyphae, into the soil, creating vast underground networks known as the mycorrhizal network or the "Wood Wide Web." Here’s how they help sequester carbon:

1. Carbon Transfer from Plants to Soil

   • Plants absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere and convert it into sugars through photosynthesis.

   • Up to 20–40% of these sugars are shared with mycorrhizal fungi in exchange for nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen.

   • This carbon is then transported into the soil, where it can be stored for decades or even centuries.

2. Stable Soil Carbon Formation

   • Fungi produce a sticky substance called glomalin, which binds soil particles together, forming stable aggregates.

   • These aggregates protect organic matter from decomposition, effectively locking carbon into the soil.

   • Glomalin alone can account for up to 30% of the carbon stored in soils, making it a key player in long-term carbon storage.

3. Decomposition and Carbon Cycling

   • Saprophytic fungi break down dead plant material, recycling nutrients and releasing CO₂ back into the atmosphere.

   • However, they also convert some of this organic matter into humus, a stable form of soil organic carbon that can persist for hundreds of years.

   
   

   Fungi vs Climate Change: A Natural Solution

Fungi are not just passive participants in carbon sequestration—they actively contribute to ecosystem resilience and climate mitigation. Here’s how:

• Enhanced Plant Growth: By improving nutrient uptake, fungi help plants grow larger and capture more CO₂.

• Drought Resistance: Fungal networks improve soil structure and water retention, helping ecosystems withstand climate stressors.

• Reduced Reliance on Fertilizers: Healthy fungal communities reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, which are energy-intensive to produce and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Threats to Fungal Carbon Sequestration

Despite their importance, fungal networks are under threat from human activities:

• Deforestation and Land Use Change: Clearing forests disrupts mycorrhizal networks and releases stored carbon.

• Industrial Agriculture: Tillage, monocropping, and excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides harm soil fungi.

• Climate Change: Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns can disrupt fungal communities and their functions.

How Can We Protect and Harness Fungi for CS?

1. Promote Regenerative Agriculture: Practices like no-till farming, cover cropping, and organic amendments support fungal health.

2. Reforestation and Afforestation: Planting trees and restoring ecosystems rebuilds mycorrhizal networks.

3. Reduce Chemical Inputs: Limiting the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides protects soil fungi.

4. Research and Education: Investing in fungal research and raising awareness about their role in carbon sequestration can drive policy changes and conservation efforts.

   
   

   The Bigger Picture

Fungi may be small and often invisible, but their impact on carbon sequestration is enormous. By understanding and protecting these underground networks, we can unlock a powerful, natural solution to climate change. As we work toward a sustainable future, let’s not forget the humble fungi—our silent partners in building a healthier planet.

Call to Action

Next time you walk through a forest or tend to your garden, take a moment to appreciate the hidden world beneath your feet. Support initiatives that protect soil health, and consider how your choices—from the food you eat to the way you garden—can help preserve these vital fungal networks. Together, we can harness the power of fungi to combat climate change and create a more resilient Earth.

Fungi may not have the glamour of towering trees or the vastness of oceans, but they are quietly working to keep our planet balanced. It’s time we give them the recognition they deserve!