WG2 Summary: Forests and the global carbon cycle: past, present, and future role

Research efforts over the last decade or so on the interaction of human and natural disturbances on the carbon (C) dynamics of forests have increased our state of understanding about the role of forests in the global C cycle. However, at the same time new areas of uncertainty and new data gaps have emerged. In this chapter, we present areas of improved understanding, identify areas of uncertainty that require further research, identify new data needs, discuss the future role of forests in the global C cycle, and conclude with a discussion on the need for a system for tracking the C flux from changes in the cover, use, and management of forest lands. Material for this overview chapter is based for the most part on the chapters included in this Part of the book.