China‘s Forests: Key to carbon Neutrality?
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Key Findings
The study reveals several vital findings:- China’s forests are acting as a meaningful carbon sink: The research confirms that China’s reforestation efforts have effectively turned land use into a major carbon sink, absorbing more carbon than it releases. From 1994 to 2018, China’s forests absorbed substantial amounts of carbon, aligning with national greenhouse gas inventory data.
- Forests can significantly contribute to carbon neutrality: If China continues its current reforestation efforts, its forests could offset a substantial portion of emissions that are challenging to reduce through other sectors, such as energy and industry. Enduring greening strategies could help China neutralize roughly a third of its hard-to-abate emissions by 2060.
- Carbon capture from forestry has limitations: While the study highlights the immense potential of forestry for carbon sequestration, it also emphasizes the existence of limits.
Comparison of anthropogenic carbon fluxes from land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) estimated using different methods. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54846-2
This study provides a more accurate estimate of carbon removal in China due to land use change using an improved modeling approach. The researchers used a version of the OSCAR model designed specifically for China (OSCAR-China) to better reflect changes in land use in the country. the new model integrates the direct and indirect impacts of land use change, providing a clearer picture of how much carbon is actually captured by china’s forests.
These findings provide valuable data for policymakers seeking to improve China’s carbon sequestration strategy.While greening is an critically important tool for reducing emissions, the study also emphasizes that China cannot rely solely on land use changes to achieve its carbon neutrality goal. Sustained efforts are needed across all sectors, including energy and industry, to reduce emissions on a larger scale.
Additionally, this research highlights the importance of improving carbon accounting methods to ensure land carbon sequestration is measured accurately.
the paper, entitled “Future Land Carbon Removal in China Consistent with National Inventory,” was written by He Yue, a research assistant at Peking University, and professors Piao Shilong and Thomas Gasser of IIASA.
Further information:
Yue He et al., China’s future terrestrial carbon removal consistent with national inventory, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54846-2
Provided by
Peking University