Carbon storage and CO2 dynamics from wood products harvested in Brazil during 1900–2016

Abstract

How relevant is the role of CO2 from harvested wood products (HWPs) for the Brazilian GHG emission balance? The C stocks and CO2 emissions and removals from the HWPs in Brazil during 1900–2016 were evaluated using three methodological approaches: stock-change approach (SCA), production approach (PA), and stock-change of domestic origin (SCDOA). Data from the FAO’s FAOSTAT system on production, import and export of semi-finished products (sawnwood, wood-based panels and paper/paperboard) were analyzed, considering distinct land-use activities: deforestation (D), forest management (FM) and afforestation/reforestation (A/R). Two scenarios to evaluate the effect of HWPs from D were evaluated. The C stock in HWPs in 2016 reached 252 Mt C, by SCA. Contributions to C storage historically were higher from sawnwood, but wood-based panels and paper/paperboard have recently outperformed it. A/R is the major activity responsible for C storage in HWPs. The CO2 removal by HWPs was 521 Mt during 1990–2016, which corresponds to 1.1% of the country’s emissions in the same period. It was concluded that Brazil has become a major producer and wood consumer and that HWPs are allies for a positive C balance and fulfillment of the commitments assumed by the country regarding climate change.AbbreviationsAFOLUAgriculture, forestry and other land usesA/RAfforestation/reforestationDDeforestationFAOUnited Nations Food and Agriculture OrganizationFMForest managementHWPsHarvested wood productsIBGEBrazilian Institute of Geography and StatisticsPAProduction approachPEVSPlant extraction and forestrySCAStock-change approachSCDOAStock-change of domestic origin approach