Abstract
ABSTRACTWe assessed the effects of landscape change on the climate regulation ecosystem service in a mountain river basin of Portugal, through the quantification, valuation and mapping of carbon sequestration and storage. The analyses were based on land use and land cover (LULC) changes that took place between 1990 and 2006 and on expected changes defined by three LULC change scenarios for 2020. We used the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs model for scenario building and carbon assessment and valuation, and several modelling tools to assess past, current and future carbon in four different pools. Soil organic carbon data was obtained through an extensive sampling scheme across the entire study area. Recent (1990–2006) and expected landscape changes (2006–2020) affected considerably carbon sequestration and storage. Observed landscape changes generally promoted carbon sequestration and storage, and had a positive effect on the climate regulation ecosystem service, both biophysically and economically. Expected LULC changes further extend the capability of the landscape to increase carbon sequestration and storage in the near future. The carbon sequestered and stored in vegetation and soil contributes to avoid socio-economic damages from climate change, while increasing the economic value of particular LULC classes and the whole landscape. These results are essential to inform land planning, especially on how, where and when changes in landscapes may affect the provision of the climate regulation ecosystem service.EDITED BY Sandra Luque
Highlights
Carbon flows naturally in the Earth System through the atmosphere, biosphere and lithosphere in an ensemble of processes known as the carbon cycle (Ciais et al 2013)
Carbon stored in the study area increased in 49.20% over a 16-yr period (Figure 2, Figure 3), corresponding to an sequestration rates (SRs) of 1.45 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 (Figure 4)
This study assessed the provision of climate regulation ecosystem service, both biophysically and economically, through the analysis of the carbon storage and sequestration dynamics at the landscape level as a result of land use and land cover (LULC) changes occurred between 1990 and 2006 and in three scenarios for 2020 in a mountain area in northeastern of Portugal
Summary
Carbon flows naturally in the Earth System through the atmosphere, biosphere and lithosphere in an ensemble of processes known as the carbon cycle (Ciais et al 2013). Emissions of carbon in the form of carbon dioxide, one of the major greenhouse gases, have increased over time both due to the use of fossil fuels for energy and due to historic anthropogenic land use and land cover (LULC) changes. These processes have largely increased its atmospheric concentration, contributing to climate change and increasing the likelihood of environmental and economic losses in the future (Noble et al 2005; EEA 2012; Ciais et al 2013). The reduction of anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases is of utmost importance to balance the composition of the atmosphere and mitigate future damages, as underlined recently in the Paris climate conference (COP21) agreement (Paris Agreement)
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