This is a brief description of studies that exemplify the methods and approaches that have been developed and used by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers in conducting integrated assessments. See the complete list of Integrated Assessment Briefs to find out more about ORNL's efforts in integrated assessment. Contact Mike Farrell (farrellmp@ornl.gov) for more information.

Land-Use Change and Its Effects on Atmospheric Concentrations of Carbon Dioxide in Asia

The annual net flux of carbon from land-use changes on the major continents: Forest degradation and clearing cause much of the carbon loss in South and Southeast Asia.

How can the uncertainty be reduced in estimates of the contribution of land-use change to atmospheric CO2? What factors are responsible for land-use changes in South and Southeast Asia?

Research efforts over the past 12 years have reduced the uncertainty in carbon emissions due to land-use change from 2 to 22 Pg C/year to 0.4 to 2.6 Pg C/year. Forest degradation, as well as forest clearing, is responsible for much of the carbon loss in South and Southeast Asia.

South America and Africa contribute 650% more than South and Southeast Asia to atmospheric CO2 concentrations due to land-use change.

Dale, V. H., R. A. Houghton, and C. A. S. Hall. 1991. Estimating the effects of land-use change on global atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 21:87-90.

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Integrated Assessment Briefs. 1995. ORNL/M-4227. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN.