The global climate can be affected via management of the forests in all parts of the world. A general global mathematical optimization model is defined. The average forest harvesting level is determined as proportional to the area under... more
The global climate can be affected via management of the forests in all parts of the world. A general global mathematical optimization model is defined. The average forest harvesting level is determined as proportional to the area under active forest management. If the area of active forest management increases, the area covered by forests in dynamic equilibria with net CO 2 absorption close to zero, decreases. Hence, the absorbed amount of CO 2 is an increasing function of the forest harvesting level. The total economic result in the form of the present value over an infinite horizon, is optimized, with consideration of global warming, subject to a constraint that makes sure that the total energy production is held constant. The results contradict the common opinion that the best way to use the forest with consideration of global warming, is to maximize the stock level in the forest, and if possible, to completely stop harvesting.
