Forest health versus global warming: Fuel reduction likely to increase carbon emissions
Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 15:30
in Earth & Climate
Forest thinning to help prevent or reduce severe wildfire will release more carbon to the atmosphere than any amount saved by successful fire prevention. There may be valid reasons to thin forests – such as restoration of forest structure or health, wildlife enhancement or public safety – but increased carbon sequestration is not one of them.