The regional carbon freedom by reducing emissions and developing sustainable forest use in finland

The aim of the study is to promote ways to reach the goals of the carbon neutrality at the South Savo region in eastern Finland by examining the solutions for emission reductions and forest use. The study has taken the first step for reaching the cost-effective carbon neutrality at the regional level in Finland. The carbon dioxide neutral region means that the region's internal activity does not change the carbon content of the atmosphere. The carbon neutral society produces just as much carbon emissions as it can bind from the atmosphere. The study started by updating the regional energy balance and its carbon influence. Second, the carbon impact on forest use was measured. Finally, the cost-efficiency of alternative carbon neutrality solutions will be estimated. The study will be carried out by combining alternative emission reduction solutions and forest management simulations with computable general equilibrium (CGE) modelling. Permanent National Forest Inventory plots were used as an input of forest management simulations. Then, applying a modified CGE model (RegFinDyn), the economic and emission impacts of alternative carbon balance solutions will be assessed at the regional level. Earlier results have shown that a more intensive use of forests decreases the carbon sequestration potential but increases the regional socio-economic benefits. The carbon balance should be compensated either for emission reduction solutions or by controlling the use of forests. It is important to choose the solutions which are not only the emission efficient but also cost-efficient at the regional level. © 2019 ETA-Florence Renewable Energies.Peer reviewe