The role of forests in energy and climate change - integrating objectives

Abstract

Woody biomass utilization presents a tremendous opportunity to address energy independence directly through the use of domestic wood as an energy source that offsets fossil fuel. It also works indirectly through conservation by the substitution of wood for higher embodied energy construction materials such as concrete and steel. Both the direct and indirect measures mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By integrating these goals with treatments of forests to make them more resilient to disturbances, longer term C sequestration is accomplished in the live forest on the landscape. This paper explores future and current technologies that are available to accomplish utilization and sustainable treatments in the field.

Parent Publication

• Integrated management of carbon sequestration and biomass utilization opportunities in a changing climate: Proceedings of the 2009 National Silviculture Workshop; 2009 June 15-18; Boise, ID.

Citation

Atkins, Dave. 2010. The role of forests in energy and climate change - integrating objectives. In: Jain, Theresa B.; Graham, Russell T.; Sandquist, Jonathan. Integrated management of carbon sequestration and biomass utilization opportunities in a changing climate: Proceedings of the 2009 National Silviculture Workshop; 2009 June 15-18; Boise, ID. Proceedings RMRS-P-61. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 125-127.