A mid-20^th century inventory-based estimate of global terrestrial vegetation carbon stocks

Terrestrial biomass carbon stocks (BCS) play a vital role in the climate system, but benchmarked estimates prior to late twentieth century remain scarce. Here, by making use of an early global forest resource assessment and harmonizing information on land densities, we establish BCS account for year 1950. Our best-guess estimate is 450.2 PgC (median all modulations: 517.8 PgC, range: 443.7–584.0 PgC), with ecosystems Southern America Western Africa storing c. 27 16% total respectively. are line change emissions suggest reduction 8–29% compared median, losses tropical subcontinents partially offset gains northern subcontinents. study demonstrates approach reconstruct triangulating different data sources extends accounts further back into century.