Historical forest carbon balance 1855-1995
Through processes of respiration and through the decay of organic matter or burning of biomass, forests release carbon. A carbon ‘sink’ is formed in the forest when the uptake of carbon is higher than the release. The conversion of forested to non-forested areas in developing countries has had a significant impact on the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, as has forest degradation caused by over-exploitation of forests for timber and wood-fuel and intense grazing that can reduce forest regeneration.
Year: 2006
From collection: Baltic 21
Cartographer: Philippe Rekacewicz assisted by Cecile Marin, Agnes Stienne, Guilio Frigieri, Riccardo Pravettoni, Laura Margueritte and Marion Lecoquierre