The State of BC’s Forests 
The Indicators
Greenhouse gases — PDF print version
Indicator 10 – Greenhouse gases
click graphic to enlarge
Note: This indicator will be addressed fully, with detailed
information and an assessment, in a future edition of the report.
Why is this important?
Rising concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases have been linked to
climate changes that affect ecosystems and have impacts on communities and
businesses.
Overview
- Greenhouse gases help the
atmosphere retain heat from the sun. Human activities, including the burning
of fossil fuels and land clearing, are linked to rising concentrations of
these gases in the atmosphere, and in turn have been linked to global
warming and other climate changes.
- Forest vegetation and the accompanying debris and soil can be “sources”
of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) when they
burn or decompose. They also store vast amounts of carbon and can be net
“sinks” of these gases. Boreal peatlands can also be important sinks or
sources of greenhouse gases, notably methane.
- Concern about increases in atmospheric greenhouse gases over the past
century led to an international agreement, known as the Kyoto Protocol, to
reduce emissions. Canada has signed the protocol, and decided in 2006 not to
account for forest management in its official accounting of national
greenhouse gas emissions.
- Climate change linked to greenhouse gas emissions may increase forest
fires and outbreaks of insects and diseases, shift forest/grassland
boundaries, and lead to impacts on the forest and range industries.
- The forest industry can limit its greenhouse gas emissions by improving
energy efficiency and switching to renewable fuels (wood residues).
Related indicators
- Fire, insects, logging and reforestation change the amount of carbon
stored in forests (see Ecosystem dynamics, Timber harvest).
- Retaining older forests may help store carbon and provide habitat for
old-growth-dependent species (see Species diversity).
- Management responses include prompt reforestation, planting trees on
previously non-forested land, controlling fire and pests, changing the rate
of logging (see Silviculture, Timber harvest)
and reducing fossil fuel use.
Information
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The State of British Columbia’s Forests – 2006 |
