Discussion Papers no. 848

Carbon dynamics related to tree planting on new areas in Norway

Extensive tree planting on new areas has been suggested as a climate policy measure in Norway. This paper presents some preliminary calculations related to carbon dynamics of such a measure when the tree planting takes place on areas with relative young birch forests.

The main finding, which is robust to several sensitivity analyses, is that after the tree planting project has been initiated, there will be a period of approximately 25 - 30 years with increased accumulation of CO₂ in the atmosphere. The reason is that clear cutting of existing vegetation and treeplanting initially will give a significant pulse emission. However, after that initial period with increased accumulation of CO₂ in the atmosphere, the project will lead to reduced accumulaiton of CO₂, due to the growth of the new trees and the corresponding carbon capture. This is also a robust result.

About the publication

Title

Carbon dynamics related to tree planting on new areas in Norway

Author

Bjart Holtsmark

Series and number

Discussion Papers no. 848

Publisher

Statistisk sentralbyrå

Topic

Discussion Papers

ISSN

1892-753X

Number of pages

35

About Discussion Papers

Discussion papers comprise research papers intended for international journals and books. A preprint of a Discussion Paper may be longer and more elaborate than a standard journal article as it may include intermediate calculations, background material etc.

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