BIOMASS MANAGEMENT AND ENERGY

The impact of managing biomass specifically for the conservation or pr oduction of energy can become a significant factor in the global manag ement of atmopsheric CO2 over the next century. This paper evaluates t he global potential for: (1) conserving energy by using trees and wood for shading, shelterbelts, windbreaks, and construction material; and (2) increasing the use of biomass and improving its conversion effici ency for producing heat, electricity, and liquid biofuels. The potenti al reduction in CO2 emissions possible by the anticipated time of atmo spheric CO2 doubling was estimated to be up to 50 x 10(6) t C yr-1 for energy conservation and as high as 4 x 10(9) t C yr-1 for energy prod uction. Of the many opportunities, two stand out Through afforestation of degraded and deforested lands, biomass energy production offers th e potential of 0.36 to 1.9 x 10(9) t C yr-1 emission reduction. Dedica ted energy crops, which include short-rotation woody crops, herbaceous energy crops, halophytes, some annual crops, and oilseeds, offer the potential of 0.2 to 1.0 x 10(9) t C yr-1 emission reduction. Also addr essed in the paper, but not quantified, were establishment of new fore sts, increasing the productivity of existing forests, or protecting fo rests to sequester C as an offset against CO2 emissions from burning f ossil fuels or forest destruction. Also addressed are uncertainties, g aps in scientific knowledge about ecosystems and their management, and policy considerations at the international and national levels.