Choosing the Right Forest

Forest type determines carbon potential and co-benefits. Tropical rainforests store most carbon per hectare (~400 tC/ha) with fastest growth rates (4-5 tC/ha/year). But they're threatened by deforestation, require high rainfall, and face land-use conflicts. Temperate forests grow slower but offer stable, long-term storage with deep soil carbon. Boreal forests are slowest but store carbon in cold soils where decomposition is minimal.

Biodiversity varies dramatically. A single hectare of Amazon rainforest can contain 300+ tree species—more than all of North America. Boreal forests have just 5-10 species but support massive animal populations (caribou herds, migratory birds). Temperate forests balance diversity and biomass. Dryland forests have adapted species critical for arid ecosystems.

Water cycles matter for local climate. Tropical forests recycle 50-70% of rainfall through evapotranspiration—critical for downwind agriculture. Cutting Amazon forests reduces rainfall in Brazil's agricultural heartland. Temperate forests moderate floods by slowing runoff. Dryland forests recharge aquifers and prevent desertification. Water benefits often exceed carbon value locally.