Unique study analyses consumption and carrying capacity of ecosystems

How does the spatial distribution of human consumption of carbon (as embodied in food, fiber, and wood/biofuel products) compare to the ability of land-based ecosystems to produce it? This is an important question, the answer to which may yield insights into the bioenergy production potential of different regions of the planet. Ecosystems that can easily and sustainably meet the ‘food-fiber-fuel’ needs of their populations, can become bioenergy exporters, whereas others will be forced to import. A unique study – titled ‘Human Appropriation of Net Primary Productivity (HANPP)’ – led by Marc Imhoff and Lahouari Bounoua of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has attempted to answer this question by spatially allocating the amount of carbon required to derive food and fiber products consumed by humans.
Biopact.