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CARBON IN FORESTS: QUALITY MATTERS
Citation:
BEEDLOW, P. A. CARBON IN FORESTS: QUALITY MATTERS. Presented at Northwest Natural Resources Forum, Astoria, OR, October 18, 2007.
Impact/Purpose:
The nature of carbon in forests is discussed from the perspective of carbon sequestration and global climate change.
Description:
The nature of carbon in forests is discussed from the perspective of carbon sequestration and global climate change. Carbon inventories, specifically in the area of land use and forestry are reviewed for the Pacific Northwest. Areas vulnerable to climate change with respect to carbon sequestration were identified. Carbon turnover in forests is discussed as it relates to carbon sequestration. Scientific uncertainties associated with carbon inventories are discussed. Major findings include: (1) Inventories are not predictive of future changes in climate or land use. (2) Ecosystem simulation in conjunction with inventory data can be an effective management tool. (3) Carbon accounting must consider quality.