Study of Forests on Offsetting Carbon Emissions from Energy Consumption in Tianjin, China

Abstract

Forests can play an important role in mitigating the impacts of climate change by reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide.The purpose of this study is to quantified carbon storage and sequestration by forests and carbon emissions from energy consumption by several energy types in Tianjin,China,as well as the role of forests on offsetting carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion.Data used for this study were collected according to the sixth national forest inventory(1999-2003) and China energy statistical yearbook.The results showed that the forests including natural forests and plantation forests in Tianjin stored 571,151.24 t C,with a carbon sequestration rate of 27,311.79 t C/yr. carbon storage per ha was 14.65 t C, and carbon sequestration per ha was 0.87 t C/yr. Carbon emissions from energy consumption in Tianjin were 3.85×107 t C /yr. The carbon stored by forests equaled to 1.48% of the annual carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion, and carbon sequestration could offset 0.07% of the annual carbon emissions in Tianjin. In addition, the results indicates that the carbon storage and sequestration rate varied among forest types with different species and age structure. They provide insights for decision-makers and the public to better understand the role of forests, and make better management plans for forests.