Carbon Sequestration
Trees are the best carbon capture technology in the world
Trees are our most valuable asset when it comes to carbon sequestration. Unlike other forms of carbon capture technology, trees can be sustainably managed to ensure their continued ability to capture carbon. Our foresters play a vital role in utilizing forest restoration practices such as thinning and the removal of downed timber to enhance the forest carbon sink, while also preventing carbon losses.
How forest management can aid in sequestering carbon
The carbon cycle in a forest is the process by which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, plants, and soil in a forest ecosystem. It plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and plays a major role in the functioning of ecosystems.
1
Growth
Through photosynthesis, trees absorb CO2, convert it into energy-rich organic molecules such as glucose, and release oxygen back into the atmosphere at the same time.Trees use the energy from these organic molecules to grow, repair themselves, and produce seeds. As the tree grows and matures, it also stores some of the carbon in its trunk, branches, and roots.
2
fire & decay
When the tree dies, it begins to decompose and release the stored carbon back into the atmosphere as CO2 through the process of decomposition. Fire accelerates this process, as the heat from the fire breaks down the carbon in these materials, combining it with oxygen to produce CO2 that is released into the atmosphere.
When trees are killed by beetles, the carbon stored in the trees is also released back into the environment through decomposition. These trees become known as “dead standing timber“. However, this timber needs to be harvested within 5 years to still be viable for wood products and to sequester their carbon storage. In the absence of harvesting, these trees fall over and decay, which results in a massive amount of kindling for wildfires and the release of carbon into the atmosphere.
When trees are killed by beetles, the carbon stored in the trees is also released back into the environment through decomposition. These trees become known as “dead standing timber“. However, this timber needs to be harvested within 5 years to still be viable for wood products and to sequester their carbon storage. In the absence of harvesting, these trees fall over and decay, which results in a massive amount of kindling for wildfires and the release of carbon into the atmosphere.
3
regrowth
The carbon cycle is a closed loop – meaning the carbon that is released back into the atmosphere eventually gets absorbed by plants again, completing the cycle. While fossil fuels are open-loop systems, the total amount of carbon in the Earth's system remains relatively constant despite its constant exchange between forms and locations.
When managed properly, forests can serve as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and assisting in climate change mitigation.
When managed properly, forests can serve as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and assisting in climate change mitigation.
Carbon Cycle
www.climatehubs.usda.govForest Water Shed
https://www.srs.fs.usda.govForest Resilience Beetle Kill
https://www.fs.usda.gov