Improved Tropical Forest Management for Carbon Retention

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Francis E Putz, Pieter A Zuidema, Michelle A Pinard, Rene G A Boot, Jeffrey A Sayer, Douglas Sheil, Plinio Sist, Elias Vanclay

Primary Institution: University of Florida

Can improved forest management practices significantly reduce carbon emissions from tropical forests?

Using better timber harvesting practices in tropical forests can reduce global carbon emissions by 0.16 gigatons per year.

Improved logging practices can reduce carbon emissions by approximately 30%.
In Malaysia, carbon emissions from conventional logging were over 100 tons per hectare.
After 30 years, carbon stocks in improved management forests are predicted to be at least 30 tons per hectare higher than in conventionally logged forests.
The total carbon emitted due to tropical deforestation is estimated to be 1.5 gigatons per year.

If we cut down trees more carefully, we can keep more carbon in the ground and help the planet.

The study involved analyzing carbon emissions from forests subjected to conventional versus improved logging practices.

The estimate of carbon retention effects may be conservative due to lack of data on some practices.

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