E&S staff conducted an analysis of net greenhouse gas emissions associated with forest, agricultural, and wetland systems of New York State. Results will be used by NYSERDA and other state agencies within a decarbonization project across all emission sectors. The resulting report presented preliminary estimates of the exchange of primary greenhouse gasses (GHGs) between the atmosphere and the landscape surface in New York State. Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) were considered. Results are intended to be used for improving understanding of the extent to which these landcover types may contribute to or sequester atmospheric GHGs on a net basis. The land cover types included in this study were considered to have an overall net annual CO2e flux of -12.33 MMt CO2e. A value of -18.56 MMt CO2e was estimated for the year 2050. Improved forest management and prevention of forest loss are expected to be important strategies for further increasing the GHG mitigation potential of natural and working lands of New York State.
