Page 15 - European Energy Innovation - winter 2018 publication

Winter 2018 European Energy Innovation 15

COMMUNICATION

field test to study and measure the measured. The research group
trees’ growth both above and below will also create recommendations
ground. As a partner, LUKE, the for how the world’s carbon sinks
Natural Resource Institute Finland, can be reinforced and what kinds
will contribute technical and practical of measuring equipment and
forest know-how and expertise to the methods should be used to measure
project, by directing and monitoring them. An internationally accepted
the field test. In addition, the project comprehensive measurement
will involve a local farmer, on whose method for carbon-sequestrating
land different growing methods will would enable the carbon trading of
be tested. the future.

Scientists developing an EU should add afforestation to its Mika Aho
international measuring concept climate policy
for carbon sequestration Only the private sector has sufficient enabling companies to fulfill part
An internationally accepted and financial resources for rapid large- of their greenhouse gas reduction
standardised method of carbon scale global afforestation. However, or renewable energy targets with
measurement is an absolute companies are currently lacking carbon sequestration. If we don’t do
prerequisite, if carbon sinks created the business case to engage with it, the mankind will lose the battle of
through afforestation are to become and invest in biogenic carbon climate. l
an official and commercial method of sequestration. EU’s current climate
reducing carbon dioxide emissions. policy does not allow to use carbon
During the summer, the University sinks as a tool in the Emission Trade
of Helsinki began a measurement nor in Effort Sharing sectors, such
conceptualisation project with the as transport for example, although
aim of creating an internationally negative emissions are described
accepted comprehensive as imperative in the global climate
measurement method for carbon- work. In addition to all current
sequestrating projects. During the climate mitigation methods and
project, in collaboration with the tools, measurable, auditable and
Finnish Meteorological Institute transparent carbon sequestering
and ICOS RI (International Carbon through afforestation needs to be
Observation System Research added to the means of combating
Infrastructure), the University of climate change as soon as possible.
Helsinki will create a comprehensive Carbon sinks has to be seen as an
concept about how the climate incremental tool, not as substitutive
effects of forests and carbon one. We must harness the financial
sequestration in forest trees, soil and strength of the companies in
other forest plants can be reliably creating carbon sinks through

How to harness carbon sequestering for common global use Link to press release by Helsinki University

• A market place for the atmospheric carbon cycle must be created (CO2 Watch a video about Carbon Farming
Exchange). Companies emitting and capturing carbon would trade CO2 in
the market place, thus create a market price for CO2. For further information please contact:
Mika Aho
• The amount of sequestrated CO2 must be reliably measured according to Director, Public Affairs
the standardized methods. St1 Nordic Oy
+358 50 500 2072
a. For the emitted CO2 there are already international standards and mika.aho@st1.fi
calculation rules in place. www.st1.eu

b. An international standardized, by the scientific world accepted,
measurement concept for the sequestrated CO2 is needed.

c. A pilot is needed, where the feasibility and reliability of the
measurement concept can be demonstrated and proved.

www.europeanenergyinnovation.eu