Managing Forests to Mitigate Climate Change
Seedling
Managed forests are efficient carbon sinks as long as they are regenerated. Deforestation is the permanent conversion of forested land to other uses, such as agriculture or urban development. Harvesting is not considered deforestation if the area is replanted or allowed to regenerate naturally.
200 millions seedlings are planted annually in British Columbia – by law – a key reason why the province has virtually no deforestation even after more than 100 years of forestry.
When a tree is cut down, 40 to 60% of the carbon stays in the forest, and the rest is removed in the logs, which are converted into forest products. Some carbon is released when the forest soil is disturbed during harvesting, and the roots, branches and leaves left behind release carbon as they decompose.
Once the harvested area is regenerated, either naturally or by planting seedlings, the forest begins to store carbon again. This combination of harvest and re-growth, along with the fact that most wood products have a lighter environmental footprint and store carbon for long periods of time, means that sustainable forest management practices can lower greenhouse gas emissions.
TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE, USE WOOD.
Climate change has emerged as the dominant global environmental issue… one that will have a major impact on our planet, the way we live, and the way our children will live. The good news is that something as simple as using more wood from British Columbia's well-managed forests is a natural and easy way to make a difference.
Climate change is largely due to increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, especially the carbon dioxide released when fossil fuels are burned. On average, a tree absorbs a tonne of carbon dioxide for every cubic metre of growth, and wood products continue to store this carbon. As long as forests are managed sustainably, the new forest will continue to absorb carbon dioxide.
Tackle climate change by using wood as a low-carbon building material and a renewable source of carbon-neutral energy. This also encourages responsible forest management so forests remain healthy and productive, and continue to absorb and store carbon.