Advances in understanding the role of forests in the carbon cycle

Description

The recognition that increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are warming the global climate has led to forests being viewed as potential natural ways to reduce carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere. Forests’ complex interactions with local and global climates, however, make predicting the impacts of changes in forest cover and composition challenging. This chapter examines the importance of forest carbon content and methods of monitoring it. The chapter describes the mechanisms driving forest carbon storage and explores whether forests should be considered sources or sinks of carbon. The chapter distinguishes between carbon management and climate management. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area and offers suggestions for further reading.

Table of contents

• 1 Introduction
• 2 The importance of forest carbon content
• 3 Monitoring forest carbon
• 4 Mechanisms driving forest carbon storage
• 5 Are forests sources or sinks of carbon?
• 6 Carbon management as distinct from climate management
• 7 Future trends and conclusion
• 8 Acknowledgements
• 9 Where to look for further information
• 10 References