Since the industrial revolution, atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, have increased considerably as a result of fossil fuel use and deforestation. This has significantly raised the threat of rapid increases of global temperatures. As concern over this prospect has grown, various options have emerged for mitigating the problems and threats associated with climate change. Debates over the options for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions have been particularly intense, and have frequently been characterized by a lack of understanding by many of the parties involved.
Storing carbon in trees and forests is one option for offsetting the gases released by fossil fuel burning, and for mitigating the potential effects of global warming. Under the Kyoto Protocol negotiated in December 1997, recognition is given to this option. Countries that have agreed to specific greenhouse gas emission limits will be eligible to receive credit for certain domestic forestry and land-use activities that increase the storage of carbon in sinks. Moreover, under the Kyoto Protocol, countries will be able to earn emission reduction credits by carrying out collaborative carbon-storage activities in other countries. These credits, in turn, can be used to “offset” greenhouse gas emissions in their home countries to partially meet emission reduction commitments.
Numerous issues related to the new international negotiations and agreements remain unclear, however. Many questions remain over the economics, politics, and mechanisms under which the new agreements will be implemented. Nonetheless, it is apparent that forestry could play a significant role in the global strategy for mitigating the threat of global climate change. For industrialized countries, and the world in total, opportunities exist for efficient and low-cost approaches to reduce carbon emissions. For developing countries, opportunities exist for increased investment in forestry, transfers of technology, expanded rural employment, and enhanced environmental development. These opportunities are currently clouded, however, by uncertainty over future developments in the field, lack of information and knowledge, and mistrust between developed and developing countries.
FAO/RAP prepared this publication in an effort to increase understanding of the issues, opportunities, and constraints for forestry-related carbon-offset projects in the Asia-Pacific Region, and to enhance awareness of options for effectively developing such projects. It addresses concerns and perceptions from the perspectives of both developed and developing countries. Insights are provided into past and current carbon-offset initiatives, and recommendations are offered for future action in the Asia-Pacific Region. FAO/RAP is pleased to advance the debate and understanding of the issues related to forestry carbon offsets through this publication.
Soetatwo Hadiwigeno
Assistant Director-General and
Regional Representative of FAO
