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Carbon and Biochar

The ability of forests to store and sequester carbon is an established fact. Forests are of great significance in the global carbon cycle and the maintaining forests is vitally important when it comes to mitigating climate change. At national level, forests can contribute significantly through the maintenance of existing forests and the creation of new woodlands, but also through utilising wood products for energy and through displacing energy intensive products.

‘In line with international reporting guidelines, Ireland estimates emissions and removals associated with the following land uses: Forest land, Cropland, Grassland, Wetlands, Settlements and Other land. Forest land currently plays a significant role as a carbon sink. Since 1990, Ireland’s forest area has expanded by approximately 300,000 ha. As these forests grow and mature, they represent an important CO2 sink and long-term carbon store in biomass and soil. However, low forest planting rates in recent years are a future risk in the terms of our national forest estate continuing to act as a significant carbon sink.’
Source: EPA

‘The magnitude of the forest carbon sink required underlines the urgent need to start ramping up afforestation rates from a low base. Delay will translate into less carbon dioxide removal (CDR), and therefore less scope for emissiongenerating activities (including livestock production) in future. National carbon budgets based on cumulative fluxes place further emphasis on prompt action.’
Source: Towards a Climate-neutral Land Sector by 2050 – EPA Report No. 457

Work is ongoing in establishing carbon accounting systems which will meet best international standards.

In Ireland, the Forest Carbon Tool is a step into that direction.

In the UK, the Woodland Carbon Code is an example of a voluntary standard for carbon accounting for woodland creation projects through independent verification and validation.

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Biochar

This byproduct of heating biomass at very high temperatures in the absence of oxigen has been getting a lot of publicity in recent times, especially in light of its carbon sequestration benefits.

Research is being undertaken at home and abroad and it is believed that biochar could have the potential to generate income from forests while at the same time improving soils, reducing residue and storing carbon.

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