Emissions and Carbon Credits in Forestry for Environmental Sustainability

Forests have a multifaceted role in the global carbon cycle, serving as both carbon sinks and sources of emissions. Through photosynthesis, trees and other forest vegetation absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, storing it in biomass and soil organic matter—a process known as carbon sequestration. This accumulation of carbon over time helps mitigate climate change.

However, deforestation for purposes such as agriculture, development, or logging reverses this process, releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere as CO2. This constitutes a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Activities like unsustainable logging, fires, insect outbreaks, and diseases can further exacerbate carbon release by damaging or killing trees. As trees decompose naturally or due to disturbances, they also emit CO2. Nevertheless, healthy forests with favorable soil conditions can retain some of this carbon in the soil, contributing to carbon storage efforts.

Measuring Forest Emissions

The inventory-based approach stands out as the most reliable method for measuring forest emissions, a task facilitated by SYNE's innovative capabilities. This methodology entails tracking fluctuations in forest carbon stocks over time by assessing tree size and biomass in designated permanent sampling plots.

This approach revolves around directly gauging alterations in forest carbon stocks across intervals. It begins with the selection of sample plots within forested areas, accomplished through a grid-based division followed by random plot selection. Subsequently, key data is collected as follows:

1. Plot Selection: Forested regions are subdivided into grids, and sample plots are chosen randomly within each grid.
2. Tree Measurements: Within each plot, the diameter at breast height (DBH) is recorded for trees surpassing a predetermined size threshold. Additional data on tree species and health may also be gathered.
3. Biomass Estimation: Utilizing SYNE's AI-powered allometric equations and tailored scientific models pertinent to the tree species and location, the above-ground biomass of each tree is estimated based on its DBH measurement.
4. Carbon Stock Calculation: The total above-ground carbon stock within the plot is determined by multiplying the estimated biomass of each tree by conversion factors that establish the relationship between biomass and carbon. Similar computations may be applied to below-ground biomass and dead wood, if considered.
5. Change Over Time: By conducting these measurements repeatedly on the same plots over time, researchers can ascertain the net change in forest carbon stocks, thus revealing emissions stemming from deforestation, degradation, or sequestration through growth.

Another significant approach entails utilizing activity data and emission factors to estimate forest emissions. This method relies on existing datasets and established emission factors to gauge emissions, operating on the following principles:

1. Activity Data (AD): This step involves quantifying forest loss or degradation events. Various sources such as airborne scanning, satellite imagery, land-use maps, or official deforestation reports are employed to determine the extent of forest lost or degraded over a specified period
2. Emission Factors (EF): These are predefined values that represent the average amount of carbon emissions per unit area of forest lost or degraded. Emission factors are variable and are influenced by factors such as forest type, soil conditions, and the nature of the disturbance
3. Emissions Calculation: Emissions are estimated based on the country, location, and impact, utilizing the activity data (area of forest lost or degraded) and the carbon released per unit area. Additionally, factors such as social impact may also be considered in the calculation process.

However, each method has its limitations. While inventory-based methods offer higher accuracy, they are labor-intensive and time-consuming. On the other hand, activity data methods are quicker but depend heavily on the availability of precise existing data and emission factors. SYNE addresses these limitations by integrating both approaches, resulting in more robust and comprehensive assessments.

Forest Assessment Using Airborne Scanning

• Canopy Height and Structure: Airborne scanning offers precise measurements of individual tree height and overall forest structure, aiding in tasks like biomass estimation, habitat assessment, and monitoring forest health.
• Tree Counting and Species Classification: Advanced algorithms analyze scanning data to identify trees, estimate crown size, and potentially classify tree species based on canopy characteristics.
• Forest Inventory: Airborne scanning provides insights for forest inventories, improving estimates of timber volume, carbon storage, and overall forest health, crucial for sustainable management.

Advantages Over Traditional Methods:

• Efficiency and Accuracy: Airborne scanning swiftly covers large areas, yielding highly accurate 3D measurements, surpassing traditional ground-based methods.
• Remote Sensing: Data collection via drones reduces the need for physical exploration of challenging forest terrain by personnel.
• Detailed Information: Airborne scanning furnishes comprehensive data on forest structure, facilitating in-depth analysis beyond basic measurements.

How to Earn Carbon Credits through Forest Management?

Activities such as afforestation/reforestation, sustainable logging, and forest protection can qualify for carbon credits by increasing carbon storage in trees and soil. Forestry projects must adhere to specific criteria and methodologies for quantifying additional carbon sequestered compared to baseline scenarios. Verification and validation are necessary to ensure claimed carbon benefits are real, measurable, additional, permanent, and verifiable.

The type of carbon credit earned depends on the project activity and program. Forestry credits can be sold to entities seeking to offset carbon emissions, aiding in meeting regulatory requirements or voluntary sustainability goals.

Benefits of forestry projects include financial rewards for landowners and managers, incentivizing sustainable practices and conservation efforts. By enhancing carbon sequestration, these projects contribute to climate change mitigation.

However, challenges exist, including complexities in project development and upfront costs. Programs must ensure credits are awarded for genuine additional carbon storage and address risks such as natural disturbances.

Despite challenges, forestry carbon credits offer a promising incentive for sustainable forest management, benefiting the environment and aiding in climate change mitigation.