The Role of Massachusetts Forests in Combating Climate Change (Part III)

Massachusetts is unique in being both among the most populated and most forested states. Residents of the Commonwealth look to forests for so much: from wood to water, from walking trails to wildlife. 

 Recently, we added climate stabilization to the list. Massachusetts is now legislatively committed to reaching “Net Zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.  Forests are expected to put the “Net” into this “Net Zero” goal.  According to the legislation, forest carbon sequestration (sometimes called "negative emissions”) can be counted to offset up to 15% of the emissions reduction goal. Is this a good idea? Is it even possible? How can we influence forests’ ability to sequester and store carbon? 

Dr. Jonathan Thompson at Harvard Forest will discuss these questions in the context of long-term forest ecosystem dynamics and try to understand the role of Massachusetts forests in combating climate change.