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Another Wake‐Up Call for Brazil's ‘Splendid Cradle’: The Overlooked Impacts of Invasive Plants on Soil Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Stocks

M. C. Mantoani,B. Osborne

Published 2026 in Global Change Biology

ABSTRACT

Brazil is globally known as a megadiverse country that holds within its six biomes a high level of biodiversity and a large number of endemic species, often with important and distinct roles for the provision of ecosystem services and global climate regulation. Whilst the natural beauty, abundant life and natural resources of the country have inspired the national anthem, encompassing the term ‘splendid cradle’, Brazil is being adversely affected by biological invasions, particularly by invasive plants. Historically, Brazilian research on alien plant species has focused on management interventions and population‐derived aspects, such as the negative effects on native communities associated with plant invaders and removal protocols. In contrast, assessments on the contribution of invasive plants to climate modifications, through their impacts on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and soil carbon stocks, have been overlooked and remain largely unstudied. According to our estimates, up to 150,424,000 Mg CO2‐eq year−1 or ca. 7% of the country's national inventory might be emitted by invasions associated with the top 10 most problematic plants, with an annual loss of nearly US$ 2 billion in carbon credits. Here, we analyse the potential impact that invasive plants have on climate change based on the most problematic invasive plants in Brazil, and recommend a list of actions, including, but not limited to: (i) accurate mapping of the extent of plant invasions; (ii) dedicated studies on soil GHG emissions in invaded areas; (iii) quantification of plant‐mediated emissions and their contribution to ecosystem budgets; (iv) more detailed research on soil carbon stocks and pools and how plant invaders might affect them; and (v) assessments of the most appropriate restoration protocols that would minimise any climate‐related impacts. With this information, Brazil can become closer to the ‘splendid cradle’ ideal and lead the development of more accurate national GHG inventory reporting.

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