Action on forests and climate change

Trees play a crucial role in regulating our climate. They remove carbon dioxide, the most important greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, binding and storing it as other carbon compounds. These are 'locked-up' within the trunks, branches, foliage, and roots of trees, and in the soil.

In young forests, carbon is soaked up quickly. In mature forests the carbon balance reaches a steady state as carbon storage is matched by decomposition. At this point the forest becomes a vast carbon reservoir. The carbon can be harvested in the form of timber thus freeing up space to plant more young trees which will absorb more carbon from the atmosphere. By replanting harvested areas we can ensure that the system is sustainable.

Forests provide many other valuable benefits: they act as reserves of biodiversity; they provide protection to soil and people from extreme weather events; they provide food, fuel, timber and opportunities for recreation.

Growing wood to use as a fuel is carbon neutral and provides a sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels. Wood fuel offers a source of heat and power for homes and industry.  Modern wood fuel installations are highly efficient.

Wood also provides a versatile and lower carbon alternative to brick, concrete and steel in house building and construction. Wood has the technical qualities for a wide range of domestic and industrial uses.

BUT, globally the area of land under forest cover is decreasing.

We need to develop practical proposals for the sustainable management of the world’s forests. We should:

• Protect what we already have
• Reduce deforestation
• Restore the world’s forest cover
• Use wood for energy
• Replace other materials with wood
• Plan to adapt to our changing climate

If we get this right, the world’s forests will contribute significantly to climate change mitigation. They will also benefit national economies and the well-being of current and future generations.

Key facts

• The total global forest area in 2005 was estimated to be just under 4 billion hectares, almost 30% of the earth’s total land area.
• Carbon dioxide emissions are the main cause of climate change.
• Trees absorb carbon in the form of carbon dioxide and convert it and store it as other carbon compounds including wood.

Key message

• There are two ways to reduce the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere: either by reducing emissions or by capturing carbon dioxide and storing it. Wood has the unique ability to do both.