You are here:
CARBON TRADING AND FOREST SEQUESTRATION: CAN FORESTS LIVE UP TO THE BILLING?
Citation:
BEEDLOW, P. A. CARBON TRADING AND FOREST SEQUESTRATION: CAN FORESTS LIVE UP TO THE BILLING? Presented at Oregon State University invited presentation, Corvallis, OR, February 06, 2007.
Description:
A growing number of public officials, scientists, and members of the public and private sector suggest that the effects of climate change could affect the environment and economy of Alaska. Accordingly, Region 10 has been given an "Eco-Region" assignment by EPA's Deputy Administrator to better understand the potential effects of climate change in Alaska, and WED has assignment Dr. Peter Beedlow to assist the Region in their investigations. To kick off this assistance arrangement, Dr. Beedlow will summarize past findings of WED-EPA research on the effects of rising atmospheric C02 on Pacific Northwest forests.
Because C02 is essential for plant growth, it is widely believed that increasing atmospheric C02 concentrations will stimulate carbon sequestration in existing forests by increasing growth. This is commonly known as the fertilization effect. It has been generally assumed that the fertilization effect will help offset rising atmospheric C02 concentrations. However, a growing body of evidence indicates that elevated atmospheric C02 will not stimulate photosynthesis or plant growth or carbon sequestration. Forests in regions where there is insufficient soil nitrogen or soil moisture during the principle period of growth will not be able to use the extra C02. Consequently, increasing C02 and temperature will not increase forest growth or carbon sequestration on low N soils.
Expected Outcome: Technical support from WED to Region 10 on climate change effects will be initiated with this keynote speech. Region 10 employees will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Beedlow, and to start developing a plan for understanding possible effects of climate change in AK.
Communication Opportunity: This is an opportunity to inform Region 10 employees who are responsible for implementing the EcoRegion Initiative on Climate Change in Alaska about the response of Pacific Northwest forests to rising levels of atmospheric C02.