Simulations show potential for reduced emissions and carbon stocks increase in boreal forests under ecosystem management. Issue 6 (December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boisvenue, C; Bergeron, Y; Bernier, P; Peng, C
• Is Part Of: Carbon management. Volume 3:Issue 6(2012)
• Page Start: 553
• Page End: 568
• Publication Date: 2012-12
• Subjects: Carbon dioxide mitigation -- Periodicals; Greenhouse gas mitigation -- Periodicals; Carbon dioxide -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Greenhouse gases -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; 363.73874605
• DOI: 10.4155/cmt.12.57
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-3004

Abstract

Background: Forests have become a focal point of climate change mitigation and adaptation, and of tradable credit systems, due to their carbon storage potential. But are the objectives evolving from climate-responsible stewardship and environmental certification conflicting?Results: We present modeled evidence showing that ecosystem management and minimizing carbon emissions are not mutually exclusive in boreal forests.Conclusion: Management decisions have substantial implications for forest carbon maintenance, but carbon sequestered outside the system or emission savings from product substitution are also important. A careful accounting will be necessary to properly evaluate ecosystem services trade-offs for forest management. Of further concern is the projected reduction in fire cycle lengths potentially reducing the carbon sequestered in the boreal landscape.