Most of the
solutions suggested for CO2 accumulation deal only with emission reductions through
energy conservation policies and technological innovations. This is necessary
but not sufficient. A complementary solution is to increase the capacity of forest
ecosystems to fix CO2.
Forest ecosystems
absorb carbon during their growth phase and convert it into organic vegetal matter,
which is absorbed into the soil. Therefore, replanting the forests and stopping
deforestation helps counteract the greenhouse effect.
Reforestation in
humid tropical regions is actually one of the most efficient way today to absorb
CO2. Vegetation growth rates are much greater in these areas than in temperate
climates and consequently CO2 is absorbed more quickly. Moreover, forests in humid
tropical areas stock about twice as much CO2 per unit area as in equivalent areas
of the Temperate Zone.
Carbon fixation
projects have to be integrated into sustainable development projects that will
benefit the local populations. This is achieved through integrating agrosilvpastoral
activities, and by transferring technologies to rural producers, aiding the recuperation
of degraded lands with species which will have long-term permanence in the area.
Pro Natura and
ONF are implementing, with support from the automobile company Peugeot, a major
reforestation project for carbon sequestration in Northwest Mato Grosso, Brazil.
|
