This link has been bookmarked by 2 people . It was first bookmarked on 06 Oct 2007, by connin.
-
06 Oct 07
-
Scientists predict there will be an increase in the Earth's average surface temperature, shifts in weather patterns, and more frequent extremes in weather events. Warmer temperatures will allow more moisture to be held in the atmosphere, resulting in more frequent and more severe storms. Coastal areas in the tropics will see more violent storms, hurricanes, and typhoons develop over the warm ocean currents. In contrast, arid regions like the Sahel that have experienced droughts in this century will likely become even more arid with rising air temperatures.
-
he most important sources of greenhouse gas emissions are activities related to land use, primarily tropical deforestation and forest fires
-
Trees are not equipped to adapt quickly to environmental changes because of their long maturation period and their inability to move from one locality to another. Species migration for trees can be as slow as a few metres per century. The predicted rise in the atmospheric temperature in North America by the end of the 21st century would result in a 150 km to 550 km shift northwards of climate boundaries for many of the existing forest ecosystems. Subsequently, we could see extensive dieback in many forest areas as conditions become unfavourable for their growth and survival. As a consequence, the volume of dead and dying stands of trees would significantly increase the incidence of fire, insect, and disease attacks, which in turn would have an impact on many forest ecosystems
-
In order for existing forests to be replaced with more suitable or adaptable species, the present forests must die with consequent releases of further large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. But this could result in the disappearance of entire forest types. The introduction of species previously not present could have profound implications for forest biodiversity and wildlife populations. The new forests that would take their place would have very different species compositions, ones that match the combination of seed availability, precipitation, temperature, growing season, and soil present at the time.
-
The forests of the higher latitudes will be more affected than those in the tropical and subtropical areas, but high-altitude mountain forests in the tropics will also be at risk. Like temperate and boreal forests, the tropical forests will undergo change as a consequence of any shift in growing conditions. This would challenge the ability of many species to survive, particularly on sites that are presently marginal for their growth. On the positive side, warmer temperatures, more precipitation, and more carbon dioxide will favour the growth and expansion of some forests.
-
Forest-related interventions can have numerous positive spinoff effects apart from carbon sequestration and storage: improved supply of wood products, better management of protected areas, increased agricultural production through agroforestry, creation of employment opportunities in rural areas, and improved environmental management. As a consequence, there needs to be a greater integration of climate change initiatives with other ongoing sustainable development programs, particularly with those aimed at the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable forest management, and control of deforestation. With financial resources to address these issues becoming increasingly scarce, it should be the he highest priority of donors and recipient countries alike to adopt an effective coordination mechanism to avoid waste and duplication.
-
To have any chance of long-term success, carbon forests must have the support of the governments, the local communities, and the populace at large of the countries where they are established. They must be convinced that the forests are in their long-term interests. This means that be involved in the not only in the conceptualization, planning, and implementation, but that they also have meaningful roles and responsibilities to play and have a just share in the benefits derived. Carbon forests must be an integral part of the country's overall development plans.
-
Trees and forests should be looked upon as "temporary" carbon sinks that can assist in reversing the deterioration of our atmosphere until the time that truly "clean" technologies are available on a large scale. Carbon forests can help cleanse the atmosphere of the accumulated emissions of the last 200 years, but full recovery will require centuries of much reduced emissions and greatly enhanced sequestration and storage. Our successful adaptation to inevitable climate change will depend on our willingness and ability to adopt new technologies, change our consumption patterns, adopt appropriate institutional arrangements, and secure financing for mitigation initiatives.
-
-
31 May 07
Would you like to comment?
Join Diigo for a free account, or sign in if you are already a member.