Cause and Effect
Global Sequestration of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide by Drylands Forestation View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Murray Moinester
Drylands forestation has the potential for long-term sequestration of atmospheric CO2, based upon studies in Israel’s Yatir Forest. This is a 28 km2 planted Aleppo pine forest growing at the semi-arid timberline, having 280 mm average annual precipitation (with no irrigation or fertilization). The organic carbon sequestration rate (assumed representative of global drylands) was measured at Yatir to be ~550 g CO2 m-2 yr-1 (150 g C) organic carbon in the tree's biomass. In addition, soil inorganic carbon (SIC), abstracted from atmospheric CO2, precipitates as roots exhale CO2 into the soil. The CO2 then combines with soil H2O to form bicarbonate (HCO3-), which in turn combines with soil Ca2+ to form calcite (CaCO3). Integrating our measured rate of inorganic carbon deposition to a representative 6 meter depth, we find that ~132 g CO2 m-2 yr-1 precipitates as calcite. Additionally, forestation facilitates the microbial precipitation of calcite in desert soils, which may attain approximately 40% of the total SIC. The potential maximal efficacy of global forestation for reducing global warming and ocean acidification depends on the maximal area available for sustainable forestation. In many dryland areas, plentiful water is available from immediately underlying local paleowater (fossil) aquifers. Using such water should enable a functional dryland forestation area of ~9.0 million km2. Following forestation, the potential total annual sequestration rate would be at least ~7.0 Gt CO2 yr−1; divided between 5.0 Gt CO2 yr−1 (organic) and 2.0 Gt CO2 yr−1 (inorganic); a respectable ~35% of the annual rate of atmospheric CO2 increase.
Assessing the Role of Forest Cover in Mitigating the Effects of Negative Rainfall Shocks on Access to Quality Water in Sub-Saharan Africa
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Zamiwe Phiri
This study investigates the role of forest cover in mitigating the effects of negative rainfall shocks on access to quality water in Sub-Saharan Africa. With over 40 percent of the global population lacking access to sufficient clean water, the impact of rainfall variability on water resources is particularly acute in this region, where many communities rely on surface water sources directly dependent on rainfall. This research explores the interaction between forest cover and rainfall variability, analyzing how forests can influence water accessibility during periods of drought. Utilizing panel data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (2000-2010) and environmental data on forest cover and rainfall, this study examines the regional variations in the effectiveness of forest cover as a buffer against water scarcity across several Sub-Saharan African countries. The findings contribute to the understanding of how environmental factors such as forest cover can enhance resilience to climate-induced water scarcity, with implications for policy and sustainable development in the region.
Indigenous People Protecting Forests and Finding Practical Solutions for Climate Change Mitigation in Post-coup Myanmar
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Saw Frankie
Tanintharyi region, at the southernmost tip of Myanmar, is part of one of the most significant biodiversity areas remaining in Southeast Asia – The Dawna-Tenasserim Landscape. The wilderness landscape comprises a continuous block of high conservation value forest straddling eastern Myanmar and western Thailand, and provides habitat for a wide range of vulnerable and endangered species, including tigers (Panthera tigris). On the Myanmar-side, decades of armed conflict has fueled the exploitation of natural resources in some areas but has also meant that large areas have remained free from the development of extractive industries. This paper provides a case study of how one local Indigenous People-led NGO – The Tenasserim Indigenous Peoples Network (TRIPNET) – has created space for local people to manage their natural resources and work for climate change mitigation according to their culture and traditions. TRIP NET has supported local communities to conduct biodiversity assessments and create a network of 32 Community Protected Areas, as well as express their land rights to prevent the expansion of industrial agriculture plantations and gold mining operations.
