Offset of the potential carbon sink from boreal forestation by decreases in surface albedo
Carbon uptake by forestation is one method proposed to reduce net carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere and so limit the radiative forcing of climate change. But the overall impact of forestation on climate will also depend on other effects associated with the creation of new forests. In partic...
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Published in: | Nature (London) 2000-11, Vol.408 (6809), p.187-190 |
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Main Author: | |
Format: | Article |
Language: | eng |
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Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | Carbon uptake by forestation is one method proposed to reduce
net carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere and so limit the radiative
forcing of climate change. But the overall impact of forestation
on climate will also depend on other effects associated with the creation
of new forests. In particular, the albedo of a forested landscape is generally
lower than that of cultivated land, especially when snow is lying,
and decreasing albedo exerts a positive radiative forcing on climate. Here
I simulate the radiative forcings associated with changes in surface albedo
as a result of forestation in temperate and boreal forest areas, and translate
these forcings into equivalent changes in local carbon stock for comparison
with estimated carbon sequestration potentials. I
suggest that in many boreal forest areas, the positive forcing induced by
decreases in albedo can offset the negative forcing that is expected from
carbon sequestration. Some high-latitude forestation activities may therefore
increase climate change, rather than mitigating it as intended. |
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ISSN: | 0028-0836 1476-4687 |