BIOMASS FUELS AND FOREST-MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES - HOW DO WE CALCULATE THE GREENHOUSE-GAS EMISSIONS BENEFITS

We show in this study that a full fuel-cycle analysis of the greenhous e gas (GO,) implications of biomass energy systems has not only to tak e into account the inputs and outputs of energy (and associated carbon content) but must recognize that many biomass systems have by-product s that are produced along with the biofuel. The analysis must also acc ount for the temporal variability of carbon stocks and fluxes associat ed with the standing biomass and its harvest. Where land resources are limited, we need to consider the opportunity cost of managing the lan d to produce biomass fuels. Establishing a system of parties, each acc ountable for its own greenhouse-gas emissions, would require detailed deliberations on how to treat carbon flows in biofuels and wood produc ts exchanged between the parties. An accounting for credits and debits has to be found that encourages each party to act in a way that is op timal for the carbon budget of the whole system.