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Eco Interactive
Member
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Posted: Thu Jan 24th, 2008 12:22 am |
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Hi Everyone,
Our organization is involved in reforestation projects as part of our carbon neutral program here in Costa Rica.
It has come to my attention that there is a lot of criticism of reforestation for the purposes of managing a carbon neutral program. In our particular case, we have the right conditions in place to answer the general criticism (our program is in a tropical rainforest and managed by a creditable conservation organization).
That said there are scientific reports that indicate that reforestation in northern latitudes actually adds to the warming of the earth.
Here is some of the information I have found on the subject:
http://carbonneutraldigest.com/?page_id=35
https://e-reports-ext.llnl.gov/pdf/324200.pdf
My question to all of you is this: Is anyone aware of any scientific evidence to the contrary? Like I said, we can answer the critics as far as our particular program, but it would still be good for us to know if there is a diversity of opinion on this matter.
Your general comments are welcome!Last edited on Thu Jan 24th, 2008 12:22 am by Eco Interactive
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Fred Morgan
Sponsor
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Posted: Thu Jan 24th, 2008 12:38 am |
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I had never heard of someone saying reforestation contributes to Global Warming. What are they suggesting? If memory serves me correctly, Global Warming is linked to greenhouse gases. Which green house gases would a forest create?
Reforestation would be the process of going from a non-forest to a forest, and it would be assumed permanently. This would cause a net increase in tied up carbon.
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Eco Interactive
Member
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Posted: Thu Jan 24th, 2008 04:06 pm |
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Yes, there are a number of sourses backing this theory, including a study at Havard University. The Havard report concluded that moer research is required, but had simular preliminary conclusions as the information provided in the links above.
The theory is based on models that I do not entirely understand. The second link is to a detailed report on the subject. It is based on the concept that in northern latitudes, snow on a grassy plain reflects heat. When you reforest in these areas, the trees actuually absorb more heat than the snow.
What I am looking for is authorive source that is familure with these theroies can provide a alternate theory.
This is an imporatant discussion as this theory has a growing following the the "carbon neutral" community. Many individuals in the carbon neutral "industry" are refuting the value of reforestation based on these theories.
Last edited on Thu Jan 24th, 2008 04:07 pm by Eco Interactive
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Fred Morgan
Sponsor
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Posted: Thu Jan 24th, 2008 04:36 pm |
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I would think you have two data points here - one is the reflection of snow compared to trees, the other is the absorbtion of carbon.
The process of returning fields to forest in the North is very slow compared to the tropics - I would estimate between 5 to 10 times slower. Also, the cost of labor is much cheaper in the tropics than up north. Therefore, it does make sense to do what we can in the tropics.
Not to say that we should discourage northern reforestation - it isn't just about Global Warming.
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