The best way to think of the carbon potential of forests is not as carbon sponges, but as carbon reservoirs; not to think of just the carbon in the trees but also the carbon in forest soils and the full diversity of forest life; and not to think of the carbon in forests at any single point in time, but strive to maintain a high average amount of carbon stored over long periods of time and across large forest landscapes. Old-growth forests are one of the most secure forms of carbon storage, while converting old-growth to plantations causes a significant net loss of carbon to the atmosphere. 

A reality check: We are very likely past the “point of no return.” Significant climate change is almost certainly unavoidable at this point because there is already so much CO₂ in the atmosphere, carbon has such a long residence time in the atmosphere, fossil fuel consumption and land use continue to release such vast quantities of CO₂, and so far, we are not changing our habits fast enough to make a real difference. Forests can sequester some carbon but not nearly enough to allow us to maintain business as usual. Current levels of fossil fuel use is already overwhelming the biosphere’s ability to absorb carbon and climate change will likely further inhibit the biosphere’s capacity to function as a carbon sink¹.  A comprehensive policy approach to climate change will require far-reaching changes in energy policy, land use, transportation, urban design, and protection of native ecosystems. Even then we will need to adapt to the unavoidable changes that are coming. Forest conservation can play a valuable role in a comprehensive climate change policy.