Forests play a major role in the planetary carbon cycle via the constant uptake and release of greenhouse gases such as CO2 and methane. Moreover, they store a large amount of carbon in standing biomass and soils. These forest-based carbon stocks will be affected by pests, fire, drought and other disturbances associated with climate change, as well as by human activities such as land use changes and harvesting practice. This theme seeks to understand and address the impacts of climate change on BC’s forest ecosystems as well as the related socio-economic implications.
Research priorities:
- developing quantitative carbon and carbon-offsets accounting methods
- exploring the bio-energy potential of BC's forests, and the associated environmental concerns
- understanding the soil carbon pool and its future behaviour
- developing sustainable forest management policies in the face of a changing climate