Carbon Sequestration - More Information

Forests are by far the biggest carbon store-houses, accounting for around 47% of the global total. Any activity that affects the amount of forests or trees has the potential to sequester carbon from, or release carbon into, the atmosphere. When forests are clear-cut, burned or destroyed, a significant proportion of the carbon stored in leaves, wood and soils is emitted into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Unfortunately, because of the acceleration of intensity and scale of human alteration of the biosphere since the industrial revolution, by 1990 ca.30% of original forest area had been lost. This loss of forest cover has contributed 45% of the increase in atmospheric CO2 observed since 1850.

However, just as the loss of forests has significantly contributed to the atmospheric ‘carbon disruption’ so good forest management, the prevention of deforestation, and the re-growth of forests have a significant potential to lessen the carbon disruption. Trees accumulate carbon through the absorption of atmospheric CO2 and its assimilation into biomass. Afforestation can therefore be a solution to reduce the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere.

Moreover, more than perhaps any other sector, forestry captures the inter-relationships between economic growth, environmental preservation and poverty alleviation. Socio-economic issues are an important consideration in the establishment of carbon markets, particularly in developing countries. Afforestation usually occupies social spaces, where people live and work. The challenge requires the admission of forest communities into the policy, the policy process and management of forest resources, as these people are not the problem, but the solution. Where local people earn significant income through participation in nature-based activities or sustainable use, livelihood strategies can shift away from unsustainable use.

One way of marketing the standing forest is through ecotourism. It can provide an essential economic justification for improved management of conservation, both within and outside protected areas, in the context of both private-property and of community-based programmes. It is essential to encourage local initiatives, where the money spent benefits local people and not just large foreign tour operators. If this is not done, the system is unsustainable.

The information above was extracted from “Capturing Carbon & Conserving Biodiversity – the market approach” edited by Professor Ian R Swingland, Earthscan Publications Ltd ISBN 1 85383 951 5 (2003)