This study investigates the impact of forest bioenergy expansion on net carbon emissions using a market-based economic model. The researchers analyze 51 demand pathways to assess the likelihood of sustained carbon debt. They find that carbon debt occurs and persists only under specific assumptions about carbon accounting, markets, policies, and future biomass demands. The study also examines the influence of forest regulations on carbon debt and payback periods, showing that supply limits reduce the payback period but don't eliminate initial debt.

Alice Favero, Justin Baker, Brent Sohngen, Adam Daigneault