Estimation of carbon stocks and CO2 emissions resulting from the forest destruction in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

The issue of climate change has become a global concern, and tropical regions are strategically positioned to mitigate its effects through their forest resources. By maintaining the function of forest ecosystems to support life at local and regional levels, carbon stocks can be maintained, and emissions can be reduced. Above-ground biomass can bind and store carbon stocks. This study aims to analyse the CO₂ emissions caused by deforestation and forest degradation in Kubu Raya District, West Kalimantan Province. Primary data was obtained through field observations, and secondary data was obtained through maps of forest areas and land cover for 1996–2021 from the Geospatial Information Agency and the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry. This study uses a non-destructive approach to calculate Above Ground Biomass. The results showed that Kubu Raya District, West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, experienced deforestation of 235,597 ha and forest degradation of 9,860 ha from 1990 to 2021. This resulted in CO₂ emissions of 163,702,815.53 tons. The highest level of CO₂ emissions is in Batu Ampar District, and the lowest is in Sungai Kakap District. There is a positive correlation between the amount of deforestation and forest degradation and the level of CO₂ emissions caused by these activities. This means that the amount of CO₂ emissions depends on the area's deforestation and forest degradation. To reduce the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere and its effects on climate change, deforestation and forest degradation activities in Kubu Raya Kalimantan should be stopped.