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Complex forest dynamics indicate potential for slowing carbon accumulation in the southeastern United States
John W Coulston1, David N Wear2, James M Vose2
1United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, 4700 Old Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.
Scientific Reports
|January 24, 2015
Summary
Forests in the southeastern US are carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide. However, forest aging and land-use changes may slow future carbon accumulation, impacting climate goals.
Area of Science:
- Forestry
- Ecology
- Climate Science
Background:
- Forest regrowth historically expanded carbon sinks in Europe and North America.
- Future forest carbon accumulation is uncertain, posing challenges for policymakers.
- Understanding forest carbon dynamics is crucial for emissions targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate changes in forest carbon dynamics in the southeastern United States.
- To attribute these changes to land use, management, and disturbance factors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized land use data.
- Employed forest inventory data.
- Analyzed carbon dynamics from 2007-2012.
Main Results:
- Forests in the southeastern US acted as a net carbon sink between 2007-2012.
- Net land use change and biomass accumulation contributed to carbon sequestration.
- Forest disturbances (weather, insects, fire) resulted in positive, though dampened, carbon changes.
- Forest cutting led to carbon loss, but was outweighed by forest growth.
- Projected forest aging indicates a 9.5% reduction in carbon accumulation over five years.
- Land-use transition shifts decreased carbon accumulation by 40.6%.
Conclusions:
- Forest management and land-use policies significantly influence carbon sequestration.
- Anticipated forest aging will gradually slow carbon accumulation rates.
- Economic factors driving land-use changes can substantially reduce carbon uptake.
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