Spatially explicit information collected by remote sensing and analyzed using Geographic Information Systems is critical to these analyses. Development and analysis of new management approaches and alternative policies is critical. For example, detailed analyses are needed of the potential magnitude and ecological and economic effects of carbon sequestration markets, globally and regionally. Continued comprehensive information on the state of forest ecosystems is the most important single information need. Monitoring programs should be integrated with a continuing inventory program to provide current assessments of changes in forest land use and conditions.
Forests provide both unique opportunities and challenges in the context of global change.
First, because forest ecosystems provide such a diverse and important array of goods and services for society, overall demands are large and potential conflicts among uses are numerous and often intense. Hence, social issues, including equity among user groups and generations, are very important when considering problems and policies associated with global change. Second, decisions regarding forests are of special concern because they have very long-term consequences. Third, forests provide the unique opportunity for sequestering large amounts of carbon. Issues associated with utilization of this capability and with marketing of carbon sequestration are complex both ecologically and economically and, hence need substantial study.