UK approach to HWP (and some personal reflections) Jim Penman Lillehammer meeting Aug 2004

Basics Established time series in inventory Production method – doesn’t mean we advocate this approach in future Assume decay constant = rotation period Accumulation typically 0.2 to 0.4 MtC/yr over period since 1990; possible small source at present, projected accumulation 0.7 MtC/yr in 2010; not Kyoto accounted

Discussion More detailed assumed time constants give rather greater accumulation rate Landfills significant Stock change method gives about an order of magnitude more accumulation, since UK imports much of its timber – still small compared with emissions

Personal reflections Rights and responsibilities go with the carbon Sustainably produced biomass isn’t fossil fuel Unsustainable biomass isn’t renewable energy Sustainability potential needs recognition HWP works as a biomass pool in the stock change approach IPCC approach best compromise currently GPG puts IPCC in good position to support any outcome, or multiple outcomes in 2006 Guidelines