Robert C. Abt

Bio: Robert C. Abt is an academic researcher from North Carolina State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Bioenergy & Forest management. The author has an hindex of 28, co-authored 95 publications receiving 2458 citations. Previous affiliations of Robert C. Abt include University of Florida & Research Triangle Park.

Forest biomass supply in the southeastern United States - implications for industrial roundwood and bioenergy production.

Abstract: This analysis explores regional aggregate bioenergy potential, the interaction of logging residues and roundwood supply, and the potential supply costs of woody biomass from three southern states Significant amounts of forest residues are potentially available within the study area: approximately 28 million dry tons in North Carolina, 18 million dry tons in South Carolina, and 13 million dry tons in Virginia These quantities are sufficient to satisfy regional biomass electricity production requirements only through 2012 under a hypothetical national Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), after which changes in the biomass resource stream will be necessary Supply curves generated for multiple regions in each state indicate that forest residues vary regionally in both supply and price, and exceeding the supply of forest residues could be accompanied by a dramatic spike in resource pricing, with implications for timberland owners and users of the forest resource base Introduction Between 2005 and 2030, electricity demand in the Southeastern demand region is expected to increase at an annual rate of 15% (Energy Information Administration 2007a) New 1 Research Coordinator, Climate Change Policy Partnership, Duke University, Durham, NC christophergalik@dukeedu; +9196817193 2 Professor of Forestry, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 3 Graduate Student, Department of Forestry Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 4 “Southeastern demand region” refers to the South East Reliability Corporation (SERC) demand region, and includes all or portions of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi,

How joint is joint forest production? An econometric analysis of timber supply conditional on endogenous amenity values:

Abstract: In search of ways to enhance and sustain the flow of services from forests, policy makers in the public and private sectors look to forest sector models to project future forest uses. A major shortcoming of these models is a timber supply specification that inadequately accounts for suppliers choosing the structure of their forest capital to self-produce nontimber amenities. This inadequate characterization of resource use, if significant, can impede the development of sound forest policy, particularly in settings where forest owners possess diverse preferences for forest amenities. In this article, we develop and estimate a timber supply model that is consistent with the idea of joint self-production of timber and nontimber amenities, such that timber supply is a function of an endogenous distribution of forest inventory that correlates to ownership and management characteristics. Using data for the U.S. South and three-stage least squares procedures, we confirm that timber and nontimber amenities are jointly produced by private forest owners. We also note that owner and management characteristics influence joint production decisions. We believe that the parameters estimated through such an integrated empirical exercise could critically improve forest sector forecasting models and the related forest policy analyses. FOR. Sci. 48(3):479-491.

Timber Products Supply and Demand

Abstract: to improve timber growing and wood-processing productivity, and to heavily invest in timber growing technology and intensive forest management. ■ Private landowners in the South are projected to continuously expand areas of pine plantations in the region far into the future. An outcome of this is a projected increase in the area of pine plantations—in the base scenario, by 67 percent (from 33 to 54 million acres) between 1995 and 2040.

Estimation and Inference in Econometrics

Abstract: Offering a unifying theoretical perspective not readily available in any other text, this innovative guide to econometrics uses simple geometrical arguments to develop students' intuitive understanding of basic and advanced topics, emphasizing throughout the practical applications of modern theory and nonlinear techniques of estimation. One theme of the text is the use of artificial regressions for estimation, reference, and specification testing of nonlinear models, including diagnostic tests for parameter constancy, serial correlation, heteroscedasticity, and other types of mis-specification. Explaining how estimates can be obtained and tests can be carried out, the authors go beyond a mere algebraic description to one that can be easily translated into the commands of a standard econometric software package. Covering an unprecedented range of problems with a consistent emphasis on those that arise in applied work, this accessible and coherent guide to the most vital topics in econometrics today is indispensable for advanced students of econometrics and students of statistics interested in regression and related topics. It will also suit practising econometricians who want to update their skills. Flexibly designed to accommodate a variety of course levels, it offers both complete coverage of the basic material and separate chapters on areas of specialized interest.

Natural climate solutions

Abstract: Better stewardship of land is needed to achieve the Paris Climate Agreement goal of holding warming to below 2 °C; however, confusion persists about the specific set of land stewardship options available and their mitigation potential. To address this, we identify and quantify "natural climate solutions" (NCS): 20 conservation, restoration, and improved land management actions that increase carbon storage and/or avoid greenhouse gas emissions across global forests, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural lands. We find that the maximum potential of NCS-when constrained by food security, fiber security, and biodiversity conservation-is 23.8 petagrams of CO2 equivalent (PgCO2e) y-1 (95% CI 20.3-37.4). This is ≥30% higher than prior estimates, which did not include the full range of options and safeguards considered here. About half of this maximum (11.3 PgCO2e y-1) represents cost-effective climate mitigation, assuming the social cost of CO2 pollution is ≥100 USD MgCO2e-1 by 2030. Natural climate solutions can provide 37% of cost-effective CO2 mitigation needed through 2030 for a >66% chance of holding warming to below 2 °C. One-third of this cost-effective NCS mitigation can be delivered at or below 10 USD MgCO2-1 Most NCS actions-if effectively implemented-also offer water filtration, flood buffering, soil health, biodiversity habitat, and enhanced climate resilience. Work remains to better constrain uncertainty of NCS mitigation estimates. Nevertheless, existing knowledge reported here provides a robust basis for immediate global action to improve ecosystem stewardship as a major solution to climate change.

Assessing the effects of climate change on aquatic invasive species.

Abstract: Different components of global environmental change are typically studied and managed independently, although there is a growing recognition that multiple drivers often interact in complex and nonadditive ways. We present a conceptual framework and empirical review of the interactive effects of climate change and invasive species in freshwater ecosystems. Climate change is expected to result in warmer water temperatures, shorter duration of ice cover, altered streamflow patterns, increased salinization, and increased demand for water storage and conveyance structures. These changes will alter the pathways by which non-native species enter aquatic systems by expanding fish-culture facilities and water gardens to new areas and by facilitating the spread of species during floods. Climate change will influence the likelihood of new species becoming established by eliminating cold temperatures or winter hypoxia that currently prevent survival and by increasing the construction of reservoirs that serve as hotspots for invasive species. Climate change will modify the ecological impacts of invasive species by enhancing their competitive and predatory effects on native species and by increasing the virulence of some diseases. As a result of climate change, new prevention and control strategies such as barrier construction or removal efforts may be needed to control invasive species that currently have only moderate effects or that are limited by seasonally unfavorable conditions. Although most researchers focus on how climate change will increase the number and severity of invasions, some invasive coldwater species may be unable to persist under the new climate conditions. Our findings highlight the complex interactions between climate change and invasive species that will influence how aquatic ecosystems and their biota will respond to novel environmental conditions.

Valutazione delle risorse forestali a livello globale

Abstract: The results of the Forest Resources Assessment 2000 carried out by FAO are synthetically presented and discussed. The world forest coverage is estimated equal to 38.6 million km 2 . The comparison of the estimates from the period 1990-2000 with those from the period 1980-1990 points out a certain general deceleration of the rate of net deforestation, that currently involves around 9 million hectares every year. However, the annua1 loss of tropical forests is still very large, while temperate and borea1 forests are in expansion. Overall, FRA2000 produced a relevant effort to compensate the existing technical, institutional and financial constraints and shortcomings for monitoring the world forest resources. The need to increase the quality and the frequency of forest surveys, both at national and international levels, s t a stands as a major issue to cope with.