Challenges and prospects of forest biological resource transformation under the dual-carbon policy framework

Abstract

Against the background of dual carbon goals, the transformation of forest biological resources has become a global research hotspot in sustainable forestry because of its dual value of efficient resource utilization and carbon cycle regulation. In this review, the correlation mechanism, industrial status quo, core challenges and optimization paths between the transformation of forest biological resources and dual carbon goals are systematically analyzed. The transformation of forest biological resources involves carbon sequestration through photosynthesis and the processing and conversion of carbon from woody and nonwoody forest resources. Relying on direct emission reduction (process optimization and energy upgrading) and indirect emission reduction/carbon substitution (building materials, energy and fuel substitution) mechanisms to support the dual carbon goals, globally, three major transformation directions have been formed—wood processing, nonwood processing, and biomass energy—as well as three core industrial areas in North America, Europe, and Asia. The current industry is confronted with challenges such as technological bottlenecks (e.g., the conversion efficiency of lignocellulose is only 40%–55%), economic market constraints (the price of biobased products is approximately 1.3–3.0 times that of petrochemical-based products), and fragmented policies and standards. Most existing reviews focus on a single technical path or policy framework and lack a systematic perspective of “full value chain collaboration + multiobjective balance”. Moreover, a theoretical framework for the transformation of forest biological resources that integrates “technology research and development-industrial implementation-policy guarantee-ecological balance” is constructed. In addition, the quantitative goals and implementation paths for the three major transformation directions of “high-value product coproduction, low-carbon transformation, and circular utilization” are clearly defined.