ИСТИНА

The geoecological state of landscapes depends on the type and intensity of anthropogenic impacts and ability of landscapes to sustain them. Among the indicators used for the geoecological assessment the assimilation potential (AP) reflecting landscape capacity to neutralize waste is important. It is calculated basing on the area of forests and wetlands which perform the regulating services. The AP value compared to the amount of emissions (CO2Eq.) provides the degree of adequacy of the assimilatory functions of landscapes. The method is illustrated by the assessment of landscapes of the British Isles. In 2014 total absorbing capacity of forests of the British Isles was 6.805 MMTCO2Eq. Inland waters cover 0.01% of the territory and their assimilating role is minor. The main sources of CO2 emissions are industrial, transport and waste management facilities. Emissions of 163 enterprises in Great Britain produce 254.7 MMTCO2Eq. and 20 enterprises in Ireland – 17.8 MMTCO2Eq. Transport emissions are 122 MMTCO2Eq. About 72.8 mln tons of solid wastes are collected in the British Isles and their processing produces 4.2 MMTCO2Eq. Spatial pattern of CO2 sequestration in landscapes is extremely varied. In terms of these indicators landscapes are classified into two groups: with surplus AP (creditors) and with AP deficit (debtors). Landscapes-creditors have AP higher than required for neutralization of produced emissions; positive biotic regulation of the carbon cycle is characteristic to them. Landscapes-debtors have AP lower than emission amounts. According to the calculations the majority of landscapes in England are debtors, not capable to neutralize wastes completely any more. The results of calculations are presented in a series of maps.