The role of the tropics in the global carbon budget: impacts and possible developments

Abstract

The Osnabruck Biosphere Model was used to investigate possible consequences of deforestation, atmospheric CO2 increase, and climate change, in the tropics in a global context. The extensive agricultural cultivating systems in the tropics must be intensified to counteract the increasing losses of natural land. Losses of carbon due to deforestation are probably balanced by additional carbon storage as a consequence of the CO2 fertilizer effect. The expected temperature increase will presumably show positive feedback to carbon losses from litter and soil. -from Author