Recent study highlights challenges in using forest strategies for climate change mitigation
A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters, led by BC3 researchers, examines the limitations of forests as a solution for climate change mitigation. The research team, comprising BC3 scientific director María José Sanz, Théo Rouhette, Neus Escobar, Dirk-Jan van de Ven, and BC3 collaborator Xin Zhao, analyzed afforestation, reforestation, and deforestation reduction efforts using the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM).
“Forest measures are crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing land carbon sinks, but factors limiting forests conservation and expansion rates, such as rising bioenergy demand, hinder their effectiveness,” explained the lead author of the study and BC3 researcher Théo Rouhette.
The study identifies key economic and biophysical barriers that challenge the success of these forest-based strategies. It also stresses the importance of adjusting climate policies to address these obstacles to meet Paris Agreement targets for forest expansion and reduced deforestation.
“By tackling these challenges, policymakers can better align land use planning and forest conservation with global climate goals, providing more informed guidance for future policy development,” said BC3 researcher Théo Rouhette.
While forest strategies play a critical role in mitigating climate change, more research on the complex dynamics between land use, biophysical constraints, and economic factors are needed to set realistic and feasible mitigation targets. Continued research will be essential to develop an integrated approach to forest mitigation and to ensure that policies are both effective and achievable, considering global climate goals.
Paper details:
Title: Limits to forests-based mitigation in integrated assessment modelling: global potentials and impacts under constraining factors
Link: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad7748
Doi: https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad7748
Authors: Théo Rouhette et al 2024 .
