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- Carbon sequestration by afforestation and revegetation as a means of limiting net-CO2 emissions in Iceland
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Carbon sequestration by afforestation and revegetation as a means of limiting net-CO2 emissions in Iceland
Abstract
Iceland has lost about 95% of its woodlands and 50% of its vegetative cover during the 1,100 years of human settlement. Efforts to reclaim lost woodlands and herbaceous ecosystems have been continuing since the early 20th century. It is emphasised that for Icelandic conditions, effective carbon sequestration can be achieved by restoring (reclaiming) herbaceous ecosystems on carbon-poor soils. Since 1990, about 4,000 ha per year have been afforested or revegetated. In 1995, the estimated C-sequestration of those areas was 65,100 t CO2, or 2.9% of the national emissions for that year. In 1999, the estimated sequestration was up in 127,600 t CO2, or 4.7% of the predicted CO2 emissions for the year 2000.