Afforestation/Reforestation (AR)

Abstract

This chapter defines afforestation/reforestation (AR) and provides insights into its role and value for achieving negative emissions. It contains a synthesis of the current research knowledge and gaps in the most up-to-date literature on AR, and a complete analysis of AR including forest growth, biogenic carbon sequestration, risk-adjusted carbon sequestration and forestry operations. More specifically, GHG balance, cost and water footprint analyses are carried out at the sub-regional level in five archetypal regions (Brazil, China, European Union, India and United States) over a 200-year time-period.

A comparative analysis of the efficiency, timing, and permanence of CO2 removal pathways

“…1) can generate net negative CO 2 emissions, as growing forests remove CO 2 from the atmosphere via photosynthesis and store it in living biomass, dead organic matter, and soils. 42,43 Additional CO 2 emissions also arise from forestry activities associated with the establishment and the ongoing management of forests. As such, only when the net balance of CO 2 emissions by forests is negative—and remains so over time—do forests contribute to mitigating climate change by acting as a CO 2 sink.…”