Research shows: Managed forest areas produce less carbon dioxide emissions

As written in Dagens Nyheter in Stockholm, Sweden (21 July 2024)

Amidst tigers, snakes, and constant lightning strikes, Indian researcher Chandra S. Deshmukh and his team have spent six years studying how human impact on wetlands in Indonesia affects carbon dioxide emissions. The result was surprising, as he revealed at the international forest conference IUFRO in Stockholm.

Our studies show that afforestation on degraded wetlands has a significantly less negative effect than previously reported,” said Dr Chandra S. Deshmukh, Senior Science Advisor – Climate and Carbon, APRIL Peatland Science.

At the end of June 2024, the major international fair for the forest industry, the IUFRO – International Union of Forest Research Organizations  – World Congress was held in Stockholm. Over 4,300 researchers and representatives from authorities, organizations and companies gathered for a week to share insights and experiences. Despite twenty lectures starting simultaneously at some moments in the conference, all were well attended – no wonder, perhaps, as the next fair is not held until 2029 in Kenya.

“International exchange is a matter of course – and RGE is behind it”

Researchers in the forestry industry often and willingly share their research with each other, which was evident during the IUFRO fair. A KTH researcher’s insights into pulp and paper technology can be complemented by a Canadian study on forest fires, which in turn provides important comparative data for research on carbon dioxide storage in Indonesian wetlands.

However, the conditions are also very different. Chandra S. Deshmukh explains more about his research funded by the APRIL Group, which is part of the Singapore-based RGE group of companies.

“Indonesia has a rapidly growing population where more land and resources are needed for the nation to continue developing,” Chandra Deshmukh said. “Investing in scientific infrastructure in developing countries like Indonesia not only serves national interests but also contributes to global scientific knowledge.”

Chandra’s research published in Nature journal has already received international attention and provides new knowledge for decision-makers in many countries to act on. The results can reduce uncertainty in estimates of greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of land-use change on tropical wetlands, and develop science-based wetland management practices as nature-based climate solutions.

“It is not always best to just leave the degraded forest alone,” Deshmukh added.  “The establishment of plantation forests on drained wetlands can, for example, reduce long-term greenhouse gas emissions. The risk of forest fires is dramatically reduced, and the use of tree biomass for bioenergy offers alternatives to fossil fuels.”

Dr Chandra S Deshmukh, Senior Science Advisor - Climate and Carbon, APRIL Peatland Science

Chandra S. Deshmukh and his team have spent six years studying how human impact on wetlands in Indonesia affects carbon dioxide emissions

 

Research under difficult conditions

Research on Indonesian wetlands is far from an ordinary office job, as Chandra S. Deshmukh explains further.

“Our challenge began with building three roughly 40-meter-high steel towers on cylinders inserted 30 meters into the ground in the middle of nowhere. The tall towers often attracted lightning strikes that damaged the instruments, so our engineering team had to work hard to maintain and calibrate them. On top of that, we had the heat, the insects, and exciting animal encounters with tigers, leopards, bears, crocodiles, and snakes!”

The research method, called eddy covariance, also entailed a lot of extra work. The advantages of the method include accurate measurements and the fact that it does not disturb the natural ecosystem. The disadvantages are that the equipment is expensive and requires consistent maintenance and calibration and that the data requires careful processing.

Is there something everyone can learn from your research?

“I think everyone must understand that the climate changes currently happening are altering conditions in many ways,” Deshmukh said.  “Therefore, solid and up-to-date research is important for us to make the right decisions in the future. What we cannot measure, we can never understand either.”

Facts about eddy covariance

Eddy covariance is a scientific measurement method used to understand how energy, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases move between the ground and the air. The method works by measuring rapid changes in wind and gas content in the air using sensors. These sensors record changes and enable scientists to calculate the flows of gases and energy. Eddy covariance is used in various environments such as forests, lakes, oceans, and agricultural lands to study gas exchanges and energy transfers. It helps scientists understand climate change and how ecosystems are affected by and affect atmospheric processes.

GHG tower

Read more about RGE and APRIL

Facts about APRIL Group’s sustainability work:

  • APRIL Group is one of the world’s largest producers of pulp, paper and board and is a member of the Singapore-based RGE Pte Ltd.
  • RGE, with more than 80,000 employees, is a world leader in the resource-based manufacturing industry and is at the forefront of practical application of new technology and science to develop the bioeconomy where bio-based products circulate in a sustainable cycle.
  • APRIL Group’s plantations and manufacturing operations are located in Riau province on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. The business is run according to “lean manufacturing”, which means sustainable and efficient methods for using energy and water and minimizing emissions. Their PaperOne™ brand is made from 100 percent renewable fiber and is sold in more than 110 countries.