The upcoming COP28 climate conference is set to focus on forests as key carbon absorbers, with a study indicating their capacity to hold up to 226 gigatons of carbon. However, threats such as deforestation and global warming put these natural resources at risk. This study, which incorporates both satellite and terrestrial data, provides a refined view of the carbon storage abilities of forests, showcasing the significant role of GFZ in global carbon assessment.
Extensive international research merges satellite and terrestrial data.
At the COP28 world climate conference in the United Arab Emirates, the spotlight will be on natural carbon deposits. Forests rank third, after oceans and soils, in terms of carbon absorption capacity, trapping substantial amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Determining the exact capacity of forests and how it can be maximized through improved management remains a complex issue.
A new study in the journal Nature, led by over two hundred researchers globally, offers fresh estimates on storage potential. Coordinated by ETH Zurich, with notable methodological contributions from GFZ, the study sheds light on this topic.
Forest Carbon Storage Potential
The study suggests that, in an ideal scenario, forests could absorb 328 gigatons of carbon. However, due to the conversion of many forest areas for agricultural and settlement purposes, this potential is reduced to 226 gigatons. Of this, 61% (139 gigatons) can be achieved by simply protecting existing forests, while the remaining 39% (87 gigatons) could be realized by reconnecting and sustainably managing fragmented forest landscapes.
Martin Herold, leading the GFZ’s Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics section, comments on their robust monitoring infrastructure, positioning GFZ as a key player in global analyses of carbon stocks for climate and sustainability considerations.
Challenges Facing Forests
Prior studies, largely based on statistical methods and extrapolations, had similar findings. To put it in perspective, the 226 gigatons of storage potential is contrasted with the annual emissions of nearly 11 gigatons of carbon (or 40 gigatons of carbon dioxide).
However, the continued global trend of deforestation, coupled with the unrelenting emission of greenhouse gases, exacerbates global warming and adds further stress to forest ecosystems.
Advancements in Methodology
The researchers combined satellite data with on-the-ground surveys of forest conditions and biomass, including information on carbon stored in forest soils, dead wood, and litter.
Martin Herold, a co-author of the study, highlights the significance of this research, noting its improved data quality and more accurate potential quantification than prior studies. He underscores the importance of systematically integrating satellite and ground-based carbon measurements for a better understanding of global carbon stocks and their potential.
GFZ’s Role in Global Carbon Stocktaking
GFZ has contributed extensively to space-based biomass analysis and soil data within a global network. Martin Herold elaborates on GFZ’s commitment to such integrated surveys, emphasizing their role in significant global analyses on climate and sustainability-related carbon stock evaluation and management.
The study also touches on strategic questions for GFZ regarding monitoring and quantifying changes on our dynamic planet and enhancing our understanding and sustainable use of georesources.
Reference: “Integrated global assessment of the natural forest carbon potential” by Lidong Mo, Constantin M. Zohner, Peter B. Reich, Jingjing Liang, Sergio de Miguel, Gert-Jan Nabuurs, Susanne S. Renner, Johan van den Hoogen, Arnan Araza, Martin Herold, Leila Mirzagholi, Haozhi Ma, Colin Averill, Oliver L. Phillips, Javier G. P. Gamarra, Iris Hordijk, Devin Routh, Meinrad Abegg, Yves C. Adou Yao, Giorgio Alberti, Angelica M. Almeyda Zambrano, Braulio Vilchez Alvarado, Esteban Alvarez-Dávila, Patricia Alvarez-Loayza, Luciana F. Alves, Iêda Amaral, Christian Ammer, Clara Antón-Fernández, Alejandro Araujo-Murakami, Luzmila Arroyo, Valerio Avitabile, Gerardo A. Aymard, Timothy R. Baker, Radomir Bałazy, Olaf Banki, Jorcely G. Barroso, Meredith L. Bastian, Jean-Francois Bastin, Luca Birigazzi, Philippe Birnbaum, Robert Bitariho, Pascal Boeckx, Frans Bongers, Olivier Bouriaud, Pedro H. S. Brancalion, Susanne Brandl, Francis Q. Brearley, Roel Brienen, Eben N. Broadbent, Helge Bruelheide, Filippo Bussotti, Roberto Cazzolla Gatti, Ricardo G. César, Goran Cesljar, Robin L. Chazdon
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Forest Carbon Storage
What is the main focus of the COP28 climate conference regarding forests?
The COP28 climate conference is set to concentrate on the role of forests as significant carbon sinks, examining their capacity to absorb large amounts of carbon and the threats they face from deforestation and global warming.
How much carbon can forests potentially absorb according to the study?
Forests have the potential to absorb up to 226 gigatons of carbon, as revealed by a comprehensive study that integrates satellite and ground data.
What are the major threats to forests as identified in the study?
The study highlights deforestation and the ongoing impact of global warming as the primary threats that jeopardize the carbon storage potential of forests.
What is GFZ’s role in the context of this study?
GFZ plays a crucial role in global carbon stocktaking, thanks to its advanced monitoring infrastructure. It contributed significantly to the study, especially in the integration of satellite and ground-based data for better understanding of forest carbon stocks.
How does the study propose to maximize the carbon storage potential of forests?
The study suggests that protecting existing forests and reconnecting fragmented forest landscapes for sustainable management are key strategies to maximize their carbon storage potential.
More about Forest Carbon Storage
- COP28 Climate Conference
- Forest Carbon Storage Study
- Global Warming and Deforestation
- GFZ Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics
- Satellite Data in Forest Analysis
- Strategies for Forest Conservation
- Understanding Carbon Sinks
6 comments
really interesting article, shows how important forests are for carbon storage. didn’t realize how much carbon they could absorb!
i’m confused about the part where it talks about reconnecting fragmented forests. how does that work exactly?
great read but, I think more emphasis should be on the threats of deforestation and global warming, It’s a big problem!
there’s a typo in the section about carbon storage potential. should be “gigatons” not “gigtatons”
good article but feels a bit technical at times, could use simpler language for wider audience.
the role of GFZ in this study seems crucial. their work with satellite data is impressive.