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The nuts and bolts of carbon sequestration in forests
Citation:
BEEDLOW, P. A. The nuts and bolts of carbon sequestration in forests. Presented at U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Workshop, Lacey, WA, October 15, 2008.
Impact/Purpose:
The nature of carbon in forests is discussed from the perspective of carbon trading as an incentive for conserving private forest lands.
Description:
The nature of carbon in forests is discussed from the perspective of carbon trading as an incentive for conserving private forest lands. The presentation addresses carbon sequestration in forests and its significance for global warming. Carbon inventories, specifically in the area of land use and forestry are reviewed for the Pacific Northwest. Carbon turnover in forests is discussed as it relates to carbon sequestration. Scientific uncertainties associated with carbon inventories are discussed. A general protocol for carbon accounting in forests is 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.