hiilibalanssi

Hiilibalanssi is a term used in climate science and policy to describe the net balance of carbon within a defined system and time period. It refers to the difference between carbon emissions and carbon removals, typically expressed as CO2-equivalents per year. A positive hiilibalanssi indicates a net emission, while a negative value indicates a net removal.

The concept can apply at various scales, including ecosystems (such as forests or peatlands), regions or countries, economic sectors (energy, transport), or product life cycles. Its components are sources of carbon (fossil fuel combustion, industrial processes, land-use change) and sinks or removals (photosynthesis, soil carbon sequestration, vegetation growth, ocean uptake). Measurements often rely on national greenhouse gas inventories and, in research contexts, atmospheric inversions or life cycle assessments.

Hiilibalanssi is used to monitor progress toward climate targets, inform policy, and support reporting on carbon neutrality goals. It is important for understanding how changes in land use, energy systems, and management practices affect overall climate impact. For example, a forest that stores more carbon than is released by harvest and decay yields a negative hiilibalanssi, while ongoing fossil fuel use may produce a positive balance.

Limitations include uncertainties in emissions factors, variability of natural sinks, and the handling of non-CO2 greenhouse gases. Analyses may distinguish between net ecosystem balance and broader carbon accounting, and care is needed to avoid double counting or misinterpretations of time lags in carbon storage.