Introduction

Abstract

Members of Working Group 4 attempted to account for human needs and impacts in the understanding of the role of forests in the global carbon (C) cycle. A major factor in the postindustrial era is the rapidly expanding human population, and the attendant acceleration of landuse change which directly influences C storage in global forests, particularly in the tropics. The important roles of forest ecosystems and their management are increasingly being recognised in global strategies proposed to mitigate the effects of anticipated climate change. Many of these strategies however, focus entirely on the biophysical aspects of the problem while ignoring human needs, and in the opinions of some, ignoring the socio-economic realities facing developing and developed countries alike. If human needs are not fully considered in international policy and management decisions relating to the world’s forests, it is likely there will be increased suffering and this will cause greater problems, both within and between countries, hence delaying or even destroying the opportunity for progress.