Abstract
Effective policies for dealing with anticipated climatic changes must reflect the two-way interactions between climate, forests and society. Considerable analysis has focused on one aspect of forests - timber production - at a local and regional scale, but no fully integrated global studies have been conducted. The appropriate ecological and economic models appear to be available to do so. Nontimber aspects of forests dominate the social values provided by many forests, especially remote or unmanaged lands where the impacts of climatic change are apt to be most significant. Policy questions related to these issues and lands are much less well understood. Policy options related to afforestation are well studied, but other ways the forest sector can help ameliorate climatic change merit more extensive analysis. Promising possibilities include carbon taxes to influence the management of extant forests, and materials policies to lengthen the life of wood products or to encourage the substitution of CO2-fixing wood products for ones manufactured from less benign materials.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Adams, D. M. and Haynes, R. W.: 1980, ‘The 1980 Softwood Timber Assessment Market Model: Structure, Projections and Policy Simulations’,For. Sci. Mono. 22.
Adams, R. M.: 1989, ‘Global Climate Change and Agriculture: An Economic Perspective’,Amer. J. of Ag. Econ. 7, 1272–1279.
Adams, R. M., Adams, D. M., Callaway, J. M., Chang, C. C., and McCarl, B. A.: 1993, ‘Sequestering Carbon on Agricultural Land: Social Cost and Impacts on Timber Markets’,Contemporary Policy Issues 11 (January), 76–87.
Adams, R. M., Chang, C. C., McCarl, B. A., and Callaway, J. M.: 1992, ‘The Role of Agriculture in Climate Change: A Preliminary Evaluation of Emission-Control Strategies’, Ch. 15, in J. M. Reilly and M. Anderson, eds.,Economic Issues in Global Climate Change: Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources (Westview Press: Boulder, CO).
Alberta Forest Service: 1985,Alberta Phase 3 Forest Inventory: Yield Tables for Unmanaged Stands. Edmonton: Alberta Energy and Natural Resources, Forests Service, Resource Evaluation and Planning Division. (Data for black spruce, good sites, pp. 47-51.)
Bazzaz, F. A. and Fajer, E. D.: 1992, ‘Plant Life in a CO2-Rich World’,Sci. Amer. 266, 68–74.
Binkley, C. S.: 1993, ‘Integrating Economic and Ecological Models for Forest-Sector Analysis’, in D. Lemaster, ed.,Proceedings of a Workshop on Integrated Forestry Models. (Resources for the Future: Washington, DC).
Binkley, C. S.: 1990, ‘Climate Change and Forests’, 14th William P. Thompson Memorial Lecture, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 24 pp.
Binkley, C. S.: 1988, ‘A Case Study of the Effects of CO2-Induced Climatic Warming on Forest Growth and the Forest Sector: B. Economic Effects on the World's Forest Sector’, in M. L. Parry, T. R. Carter and N. T. Konijn, eds.,The Impact of Climatic Variations on Agriculture. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic, pp. 197–218.
Binkley, C. S. and van Kooten, G. C: 1993, ‘Optimal Forest Rotations under Global Warming’, Faculty of Forestry Working Paper, U.B.C., Vancouver.
Birdsey, R. A.: 1992, ‘Carbon Storage and Accumulation in United States Forest Ecosystems’, USDA Forest ServiceGen. Tech. Rep. WO-59 (Washington, DC).
Bonan, G. B., Pollard, D., and Thompson, S. L.: 1992, ‘Effects of Boreal Forest Vegetation on Climate Change’,Nature 359, 716–718.
Bosch, J. M. and Hewlett, J. D.: 1982, ‘A Review of Catchment Experiments to Determine the Effect of Vegetation Changes on Water Yield and Evapotranspiration’,J. Hydrology 55, 3–23.
Botkin, D. B., Janak, J. F., and Willis, J. R.: 1972, ‘Some Ecological Consequences of a Computer Model of Forest Growth’,J. Ecol. 60, 849–72.
Botkin, D. B., Woodby, P. A., and Nisbet, R. A.: 1991, ‘Kirtland's Warbler Habitats: A Possible Early Indication of Climatic Warming’,Biol. Cons. 56, 63–78.
Bowes, M. D. and Sedjo, R. A.: 1992, ‘Climate Change and Forestry in the U.S. Midwest’, Ch. 14 in J. M. Reilly and M. Anderson, eds.,Economic Issues in Global Climate Change: Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources (Westview Press: Boulder, CO).
Bowes, M. D. and Sedjo, R. A.: 1993, ‘Impacts and Responses to Climate Change in Forests of the MINK Region’,Climatic Change 24, 63–82.
Brown, T. C., and Daniel, T. C.: 1990, ‘Scaling of Ratings: Concepts and Methods’, USDA For. Serv. Res. Pap. RM-293.
Brunson, M. and Shelby, B.: 1992, ‘Assessing Recreational and Scenic Quality’,Journal of Forestry 90(7, 37–41.
Buchanan, A. H.: 1990, ‘Building Material and the Greenhouse Effect’,N.Z. J. of Timber Const. 7, 6–10.
Buhyoff, G. J., Leuschner, W. A., and Wellman, J. D.: 1979, ‘Southern Pine Beetle Infestations Affects Aesthetic Values of Forest Landscapes’,South J. Appl. For. 3(2, 48–55.
Buhyoff, G. J., Leuschner, W. A., and Arndt, L. K.: 1980, ‘Replication of a Scenic Preference Function’,For. Sci. 26, 227–230.
Buhyoff, G. L., Arndt, L. K., and Propst, D. B.: 1981, ‘Interval Scaling of Landscape Preference by Direct - and Indirect - Measurement Methods’,Landscape Plan. 8, 257–267.
Buhyoff, G. J., Wellman, J. D., and Daniel, T. C.: 1982, ‘Predicting Scenic Quality for Mountin Pine Beetle and Western Spruce Budworm Damaged Forest Vistas’,For. Sci. 28, 827–838.
Callaway, J. M.: 1994, Personal Communication, January 21.
Cardellichio, P. A., Youn, U. C., Adams, D. M., Joo, R. W., Chemelik, J. T.: 1989, ‘A Preliminary Analysis of Timber and Timber Products Production, Consumption, Trade and Prices in the Pacific Rim Until 2000’, Univ. Wash. Center for International Trade in Forest ProductsWorking Paper 22 (Seattle, WA).
Cubbage, F. W., Hodges, D. G., and Regens, J. L.: 1987, ‘Economic Implications of Climate Change Impacts on Forestry in the South’, in M. Meo, ed.,Proc. of Symp. on Climate Change in the Southern United States: Future Impacts and Policy Issues (Univ. of Oklahoma: Normon, OK).
Cubbage, F. W., Regens, J. L., and Hodges, D. G.: 1992, ‘Climate Change and the Role of Forest Policy’, Ch. 3 in P. N. Nemetz,Emerging Issues in Forest Policy (Vancouver: UBC Press).
Dudek, D. J. and LeBlanc, A.: 1990, ‘Offsetting New CO2 Emissions: A Rational First Greenhouse Policy Step’,Contemporary Policy Issues 8, 29–42.
Easterling, W. E., McKenney, M. S., Rosenberg, N. J., and Lemon, K. M., 1992, ‘Simulations of Crop Responses to Climate Change: Effects with Present Technology and No Adjustments (The ‘Dumb Farmer Scenario)’,Agric. and For. Metero. 59, 53–73.
Harmon, M. E., Ferrell, W. K., and Franklin, J. F.: 1990, ‘Effects on Carbon Storage of Conversion of Old-Growth Forests to Young Forests’,Science 247, 699–702.
Haynes, R. W., Alig, R. J., and Moore, E.: 1992,Alternative Simulations of Forestry Scenarios Involving Carbon Sequestration Options: Investigation of Impacts on Regional and National Timber Markets, Report prepared for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 27 October 1992.
Haynes, R. W. and Adams, D. M.: 1990, ‘Assessing Economic Impacts of Air Pollution Damage to U.S. Forests’, inThe Economic Impacts of Air Pollution on Timber Markets: Studies from North America and Europe, USDA Forest Service,Gen. Tech. Rep. SE-75, pp. 13-18.
Haynes, R. W., Harou, P., and Mikowski, J., comps.: 1992,Forestry Sector Analysis for Developing Countries, Proceedings of Working Groups, Integrated Land Use and Forest Policy (S6.12-03) and Forest Sector Analysis (S6.11-00) Meetings at the 10th Forestry World Congress, Paris, France, 6 March 1992, CINTRAFOR SP10. (Univ. of Wash.: Seattle, WA).
Hodges, D. G., Cubbage, F. W., and Regens, J. L.: 1992, ‘Regional Forest Migration and Potential Economic Effects’,Env. Toxic and Chem. 11, 1129–1136.
Hodges, D. G., Regens, J. L., and Cubbage, F. W.: 1989, ‘Evaluating the Potential Impacts of Global Climate Change on Forestry in the Southern United States’,Res. Mgmt. and Opt. 6, 235–251.
Hollenhorst, S. J., Brock, S. M., Freimund, W. A., and Twery, M. J.: 1993, ‘Predicting the Effects of Gypsy Moth on Near-View Aesthetic Preferences and Recreation Appeal’,For. Sci. 39, 28–40.
Jackson, I.: 1990,Global Warming: Implications for Canadian Policy, Report prepared for Canadian Climate Centre, Atmospheric Environment Service (Ottawa: Institute for Research on Public Policy).
Jessome, A. P.: 1977, ‘Strength and Related Properties of Woods Grown in Canada’,Forestry Technical Report 21 (Ottawa: Eastern Forest Products Laboratory).
Joyce, L. A. and Haynes, R. W.: 1992, ‘Integrating Resource Projections with Timber Projections’, in D. Adams, R. Haynes, B. Lippke, and J. Perez-Garcia, eds.,Forest Sector Trade and Environmental Impact Models: Theory and Application (CINTRAFOR, Univ. Wash.: Seattle, WA).
Kallio, M., Dykstra, D., and Binkley, C. S.: 1987,The Global Forest Sector: An Analytical Perspective (John Wiley: London).
Kauppi, P., Mielikainen, K., and Kuuseal, K.: 1992, ‘Estimating Biomass’,Science 257, 146.
Kauppi, P. and Posch, M.: 1988, ‘A Case Study of the Effects of CO2-Induced Climatic Warming on Forest Growth and the Forest Sector Productivity Reactions of Northern Boreal Forests’, in M. L. Parry, T. R. Carter and N. T. Konijn, eds.,The Impact of Climatic Variations on Agriculture (Vol. 1), Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic, pp. 197–218.
Koch, P. A.: 1992, ‘Wood Versus Nonwood Construction Material in U.S. Residential Construction: Some Energy-Related Global Implications’, inWood Products Demand and the Environment (Forest Products Research Society: Madison, WI), pp. 252–265.
Kronberg, B. I. and Fyfe, W. S.: 1992, ‘Forest-Climate Interactions: Implications for Tropical and Boreal Forests’, Chapter 2 in P. N. Nemetz, ed.,Emerging Issues in Forest Policy (Vancouver: UBC Press).
Kurz, W. A., Apps, M. J., Webb, T. M., and McNamee, P. J.: 1992, ‘The Carbon Budget of the Canadian Forest Sector: Phase I’, Forestry CanadaInfo. Rep. NOR-X-326 (Edmonton, AL).
Larson, B., Binkley, C. S., and Winnett, S.: 1989, ‘Simulated Effects of Climatic Warming on the Productivity of Managed Northern Hardwood Forests’, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, CT.
Lemaster, D., ed.: 1993, Proceedings of Workshop on Integrated Ecological Economic Models of the Forest Sector (Resources for the Future: Washington).
Marcea, R. L. and Lau, K. K.: 1990, ‘Carbon Dioxide Implications of Building Materials’,J. Forest Engineering 3, 37–43.
McGuire, A. D., Melillo, J. M., Joyce, L. A., Kicklighter, D. W., Grace, A. L., Moore, B., and Vorosmarty, C. J.: 1992, ‘Interactions Between Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics in Estimating Net Primary Productivity for Potential Vegetation in North America’,Global Biogeochemical Cycles 6, 101–124.
Mendlesohn, R.: 1984, ‘An Application of the Hedonic Travel Cost Framework for Recreation Modeling to the Valuation of Deer’, in V. K. Smith and A. D. Witte, eds.,Adv. in Appl. Microecon. 3, 89–101.
Mitchell, R. C. and Carson, R. T.: 1989,Using Surveys to Value Public Goods. The Contingent Valuation Method (Resources for the Future: Washington, DC).
Moulton, R. J. and Richards, K. R.: 1990, ‘Costs of Sequestering Carbon Through Tree Planting and Forest Management in the United States’, USDA Forest ServiceGen. Tech. Rep. WO-58, Washington, DC.
Nordhaus, W. D.: 1992, ‘An Optimal Transition Path for Controlling Greenhouse Gases’,Science 258, 1315–1319.
Norgaard, R. B.: 1984, ‘Coevolutionary Development Potential’,Land Econ. 60, 160–173.
Parsons, D. J.: 1991, ‘Planning for Climate Change in National Parks and Other Natural Areas’,The Northwest Environmental Journal 7, 255–269.
Peters, R. L.: 1990, ‘Effects of Global Warming on Forests’,Forest Ecology and Management 35, 13–33.
Peters, R. L. and Lovejoy, T. E.: 1990,Global Warming and Biological Diversity (Yale University Press: New Haven, CT).
Richards, K. M.: 1992, ‘Policy and Research Implications of Recent Carbon-Sequestering Analysis’, Ch. 16 in J. M. Reilly and M. Anderson, eds.,Economic Issues in Global Climate Change: Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources (Westview Press: Boulder, CO).
Row, C.: 1992, ‘HARVCARB: Modeling Forest Management and the Carbon Balance’, Paper presented at the meeting of Western Forest Economists, Welches, OR, May 4–6.
Rubin, E. S., Cooper, R. N., Frosch, R. A., Lee, T. H., Marland, G., Rosenfeld, A. H., and Stine, D. S.: 1992, ‘Realilstic Mitigation Options for Global Warming’,Science 257, 148–149, 261-266.
Schwartz, M. W.: 1992, ‘The Potential Effects of Global Climate Change on the Biodiversity of Plants’,For. Chron. 68(4, 462–471.
Sedjo, R. A.: 1989, ‘Forests: A Tool to Moderate Global Warming?’,Environment 31, 14–20.
Sedjo, R. A. and Lyon, K. S.: 1990,The Long-Term Adequacy of World Timber Supply (Resources for the Future: Washington, DC).
Sedjo, R.: 1992, ‘Temperate Forest Ecosystems in the Global Carbon Cycle’,Ambio 21, 274–278.
Sedjo, R. A. and Solomon, A. M.: 1989, ‘Climate and Forests’, Ch. 8 in N. J. Rosenberg, W. E. Easterling III, P. R. Crosson, and J. Darmstadter, eds.,Greenhouse Warming: Abatement and Adaptation (Resources for the Future: Washington).
Solomon, A. M.: 1986, ‘Transient Response of Forests to CO2-Induced Climate Change: Simulation Modeling Experiments in Eastern North America’,Oecologia 68, 567–579.
Tans, P. P., Fung, I. Y., and Takahashi, T.: 1990, ‘Observational Constraints on the Global Atmospheric Carbon Budget’,Science 247, 1421–1438.
Thompson, W. A., Pearse, P. H., van Kooten, G. C. and Vertinsky, I.: 1992, ‘Rehabilitating the Backlog of Unstocked Forest Lands in British Columbia: A Preliminary Simulation Analysis of Alternative Strategies’, Ch. 4 in P. N. Nemetz, ed.,Emerging Issues in Forest Policy (Vancouver: UBC Press).
Turner, D., Koerper, G., Lee, J., and Barker, G.: 1993,The Forest Sector Carbon Budget of the U.S.: Carbon Pools and Flux under Alternative Policy Options, Report EPA/600/3-93/093 (Office of Research and Development: Washington, DC), 202 pp.
USDA Forest Service: 1990,The Forest Service Program for Forest and Rangeland Resources: Recommended 1990 RPA Program (Forest Service: Washington, DC).
USDA Forest Service: 1988, ‘The South's Fourth Forest: Alternatives for the Future’,Forest Resource Report 24 (Forest Service: Washington, DC).
van Kooten, G. C. and Arthur, L. M.: 1989, ‘Assessing Economic Benefits of Climate Change on Canada's Boreal Forest’,Can. J. of For. Res. (April): 463-70.
van Kooten, G. C.: 1990, ‘Climate Change Impacts on Forestry: Economic Issues’,Can. J. of Ag. Econ. Proceedings 38, 701–710.
van Kooten, G. C., Arthur, L. M., and Wilson, W. R.: 1992, ‘Potential to Sequester Carbon in Canadian Forests: Economic Considerations’,Can. Pub. Pol. 18 (Aug), 127–138.
van Kooten, G. C., Thompson, W. A., and Vertinsky, I.: 1993, ‘Economics of Reforestation in British Columbia when Benefits of CO2 Reduction are Taken into Account’, in W. Adamowicz, W. White, and W. A. Phillips, eds.,Forestry and Environment: Economic Considerations (CAB International: Wallingford UK).
Wheaton, E. E., Singh, T., Dempster, R., Higginbotham, K. O., Thorpe, J. P., van Kooten, G.C., and Taylor, J. S.: 1987,An Exploration and Assessment of the Implications of Climatic Change for the Boreal Forest and Forestry Economics of the Prairie Provinces and Northwest Territories, SRC Technical Report No. 211, SRC Publication No. E-906-36-B-87, Saskatoon: Saskatchewan Research Council, November, 282 pp.
Wilman, E. A.: 1988, ‘Modeling Recreation Demands for Public Land Management’, in V. K. Smith, ed.,Environmental Resources and Applied Welfare Economics (Resources for the Future: Washington, DC), pp. 165–190.
Woodwell, G. M.: 1989, ‘The Warming of the Industrialized Middle Latitudes 1985-2050: Causes and Consequences’,Climatic Change 15, 31–50.
Woodwell, G. M.: 1991, ‘Forests in a Warming World: A Time for New Policies’,Climatic Change 19, 245–251.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Binkley, C.S., Cornelis Van Kooten, G. Integrating climatic change and forests: Economic and ecologic assessments. Climatic Change 28, 91–110 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01094102
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01094102