Forests Are Worth More Than Their Carbon, a New Paper Argues – Inside Climate News
Forests Are Worth More Than Their Carbon, a New Paper Argues InsideClimate News
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Large-scale tree planting projects oversimplify the values of forests, researchers warn
In a peer-reviewed opinion paper published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution, researchers from the University of Oxford emphasize the need to consider the multiple values of forests in large-scale tree planting projects aimed at carbon sequestration. While carbon sequestration is an important tool for addressing climate change, these projects often lack biodiversity, making them ineffective in mitigating climate change. The authors argue that carbon should not be the sole metric for assessing the importance of forest ecosystems and call for a broader focus on ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.
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Carbon sequestration is a growing global trend in addressing emissions. In 2020, the global carbon capture and sequestration market was valued at $1.96 billion and projected to grow, according to Fortune Business Insights. Monoculture tree plantations, which involve planting a single species of trees, are popular for carbon sequestration due to their economic value. However, focusing solely on carbon overlooks the other important functions of biodiverse forest environments.
The lead author of the paper, Jesús Aguirre-Gutiérrez, studies the functionality of forests and has observed a proliferation of monoculture plantations in tropical forest areas in Africa and the Americas. The paper draws on recent literature to caution against oversimplifying carbon sequestration and tree planting projects.
The authors argue that non-carbon ecosystem functions, such as clean water, climate buffering, and pollination, are undervalued and require greater attention. They call for a shift in focus from carbon sequestration to the conservation and restoration of intact forest ecosystems. This approach would contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation while prioritizing biodiversity and functional ecosystems.
Scott Denning, an atmospheric science professor at Colorado State University, agrees with the paper’s conclusions but notes that there is still a widespread misunderstanding of carbon sequestration projects and their potential to combat climate change. He emphasizes that while carbon sequestration can offset a small portion of greenhouse gas emissions, it is not a substitute for reducing emissions from fossil fuels.
The paper also highlights the lack of regulation in the global carbon market and the need for tree planting projects to consider their impacts on natural environments. The authors stress the importance of conservation and restoration in functioning ecosystems. Ultimately, ending society’s reliance on fossil fuels is crucial in addressing climate change.
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Keerti Gopal is a multimedia journalist and summer fellow at Inside Climate News. She graduated from Northwestern University in 2021 and moved to Taiwan for her Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship, where she documented stories of climate action and resilience through various media. Keerti is interested in accountability and investigative reporting, climate and environmental justice, and centering marginalized voices.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the importance of considering biodiversity and ecosystem restoration in large-scale tree planting projects aimed at carbon sequestration. This aligns with SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Additionally, the article emphasizes the value of intact forest ecosystems and the need to prioritize biodiversity conservation, which relates to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- SDG 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services
The article highlights the need for tree planting projects to expand their focus beyond carbon sequestration and integrate biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration into their strategies. This aligns with SDG 13.2, which aims to integrate climate change measures into national policies and planning. Additionally, the emphasis on the conservation and restoration of intact forest ecosystems relates to SDG 15.1, which focuses on ensuring the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and their services.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of tree planting projects that incorporate biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration
- Extent of forest area under conservation and restoration efforts
- Monitoring of tree survival rates in tree planting projects
The article mentions the lack of monitoring in tree planting projects and the need for a more holistic approach that includes conservation and restoration efforts. Indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets could include the number of tree planting projects that incorporate biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration, the extent of forest area under conservation and restoration efforts, and the monitoring of tree survival rates in these projects.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Number of tree planting projects that incorporate biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration – Extent of forest area under conservation and restoration efforts – Monitoring of tree survival rates in tree planting projects |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services | – Number of tree planting projects that incorporate biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration – Extent of forest area under conservation and restoration efforts – Monitoring of tree survival rates in tree planting projects |
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Source: insideclimatenews.org
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