Abstract

Identifying mainstream perspectives on how forests influence “carbon neutrality” is challenging but essential for guiding forest management in mitigating climate change. Divergent viewpoints in current research are often shaped by varying research approaches and topics. Thus, this study adopts a novel combination of topic analysis and polarity analysis to uncover the topic-polarity dynamics surrounding the role of forests in achieving “carbon neutrality”. Results indicate that developing nations prioritize evaluating forest carbon sinks and their influencing factors, and developed nations focus on both carbon sequestration and forest carbon emissions. Some regions such as Europe and North America are concerned about the climate benefit of woody bioenergy. Significant emphasis has been placed on the impact of forest management and biodiversity on forest carbon sequestration. Polarity results reveal that most studies support the perspective that forests can contribute significantly to achieving “carbon neutrality”. Notably, deforestation and forest disasters are the main carbon sources, and there are disagreements over how to use woody bioenergy and manage forest fires to mitigate climate change. Finally, this study highlights future challenges for forests in achieving “carbon neutrality” and makes recommendations for how to manage forests to ensure the steady growth of forest carbon.