Overview of global climate change and carbon sequestration

Abstract

The potential influence of global climate change on southern forests is uncertain. Outputs of climate change models differ considerably in their projections for precipitation and other variables that affect forests. Forest responses, particularly effects on competition among species, are difficult to assess. Even the responses of relatively simple ecosystems, such as managed pine plantations, will be affected by complex interactions. Large-scale perturbations, such as rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) and changes in precipitation regimes, will interact with site-specific factors such as soil nutrition.

Parent Publication

• Southern forest science: past, present, and future

Citation

Johnsen, Kurt. 2004. Overview of global climate change and carbon sequestration. In: Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS 75. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. p. 361-363.