ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author describes and assesses biological mitigation measures in terrestrial ecosystems, focusing on the physical mitigation potential, ecological and environmental constraints, economics, and social considerations. It also discusses the so-called geo-engineering options. The concept of geo-engineering also includes the possibility of engineering the earth's climate system by large-scale manipulation of the global energy balance. The chapter reviews progress made since the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)-Second Assessment Report (SAR), and evaluates prospects for storing more carbon in ways that ensure the continued provision of other goods and services from the varied and finite land resources. The chapter begins by describing the current state of land use, the history of land use, ongoing changes in land use, pressures driving these changes, and potential competition among demands for land. It reviews briefly the possible ways of increasing C stocks in agricultural lands, first within a land use and then by a change in land use.
