Deforestation and Climate Change (v1.0)

The primary source is Wikipedia. The problem is clear. 

Deforestation is a key contributor to climate change, and climate change affects the health of forests. It contributes in two ways. Burning for deforestation generates greenhouse gases. Less trees means less carbon removed from the air and carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. Land use change, especially in the form of deforestation, is the second largest source of carbon dioxide emissions from human activities, after the burning of fossil fuels.  Greenhouse gases are emitted from deforestation during the burning of forest biomass and decomposition of remaining plant material and soil carbon. Global models and national greenhouse gas inventories give similar results for deforestation emissions. As of 2019, deforestation is responsible for about 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon emissions from tropical deforestation are accelerating.

When forests grow, they are a carbon sink and therefore have potential to mitigate some effects of climate change, such as more wildfires, invasive species, and more extreme weather events that can lead to more forest loss. The relationship between deforestation and climate change is one of a positive (amplifying) climate feedback. The more trees that are removed equals larger effects of climate change which, in turn, results in the loss of more trees.

Forests cover 31% of the land area on Earth. Every year, 75,700 square kilometers (18.7 million acres) of the forest is lost. There was a 12% increase in the loss of primary tropical forests from 2019 to 2020.

Deforestation has many causes and drivers. Examples include agricultural clearcutting, livestock grazing, logging for timber, and wildfires.

Contrary to global trends, forests in the United States increased by 0.03% annually between 2010 and 2020. This growth reflects positive efforts in forest management and conservation. Notably, the US now grows more wood (in the form of living trees) than in the last 60 years, with tree volumes steadily increasing. 

What copilot had to say about the role forests play as carbon sinks.

Absolutely! U.S. forests indeed serve as vital carbon sinks, playing a significant role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Let’s delve into the details:

1. Forest Carbon Sequestration:

   • According to a US forest Service study, global forests annually remove a staggering 2.4 billion tons of carbon and absorb 8.8 billion tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This impressive capacity makes forests a crucial component of our planet’s carbon cycle.
   • In the US, forests. wood products, and urban trees collectively offset annual CO2 emissions by approximately 10-15%. So, they’re actively helping balance the carbon ledger.

2. Tropical Forests Take the Lead:

   • Tropical forests, especially those untouched by deforestation, play a dominant role in carbon absorption. They absorb more carbon than all other northern hemisphere forests combined.
   • Additionally, tropical re-growth forests recovering from deforestation and logging contribute significantly to carbon uptake, compensating for some of the carbon lost due to deforestation.

3. Cautions and Challenges:

   • While forests are powerful carbon sinks, we must be cautious. Their ability to sequester carbon is reversible due to factors like increased drought, wildfires, and forest degradation.
   • Relying solely on forests to absorb carbon isn’t a long-term solution. Active efforts to reduce emissions across sectors (such as energy, transportation, and agriculture) remain critical.

In summary, U.S. forests are unsung heroes in our fight against climate change, absorbing CO₂ and contributing to cleaner air. Let's continue to protect and manage these valuable ecosystems! 

There has been a lot of wildfires in US in recent years. Here is copilot answer to US deforestation and wildfires impact.  

Certainly! Let’s explore the impact of deforestation and wildfires on greenhouse gas emissions in the United States:

1. Deforestation and Carbon Sequestration:

   • U.S. forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that these forests absorb between one million and three million metric tons of CO₂ annually.

2. Wildfires and Climate Change:

   • Over the last few decades, climate conditions in the western U.S. have become hotter and drier. As a result, the likelihood of wildfires has increased.
   • While fire is a natural part of many ecosystems, the compounding issue of climate change exacerbates the situation. Prolonged droughts and record temperatures create conditions ripe for intense wildfires.
   • Additionally, invasive species like bark beetles thrive due to warmer temperatures, killing vast swaths of trees. These dead trees are more susceptible to wildfires, leading to faster and more extensive fire spread. 

3. Net Carbon Stocks:

   • In 2021, U.S. forests (including urban trees) collectively represented an estimated net increase in carbon stocks of 785.0 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent.
   • This growth in forests helps remove carbon from the atmosphere, acting as a sink to offset emission. 

In summary, both deforestation and wildfires significantly impact greenhouse gas emissions. While forests sequester carbon, wildfires release it back into the atmosphere. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach, including sustainable forest management and climate action.

It is important that countries with the world's lungs (forests) like Brazil be a part of international discussions and deal making. You should monitor that.