Climate protection through sustainable forestry

Climate protection through sustainable forestry

in climate protection through sustainable forestry

In times of increasing climate change, forestry plays an increasingly important role. The sustainable management of forests can make a significant contribution to climate protection. In this article we will explore the connection between climate protection and sustainable forestry, present methods of sustainable forestry and find out how this method can contribute to climate protection.

The role of forests in the carbon cycle

In order to understand the role of sustainable forestry in climate protection, it is initially important to understand the function of the forests in the carbon cycle.

Function of the forests

Forests cover around 31% of the land area of ​​the planet and play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. Through photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store it in their biomass - in their leaves, trunks, branches and roots. This process counteracts global warming by removing the greenhouse gas CO2 from the atmosphere. At the same time, the trees produce oxygen that we need to breathe.

carbon storage and release

In addition to storing carbon through photosynthesis, forests are also important carbon reservoirs. Old, untouched forests, which are often referred to as primary forests, are particularly important carbon stores. However, if forests are cut down or damaged, the stored carbon is released and thus increases the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.

sustainable forestry as a solution approach

Sustainable forestry aims to maintain the benefits of forests for society without affecting its health or productivity in the long term. The focus is on the balance between ecological, social and economic interests.

Definition of sustainable forestry

According to the food and agriculture organization (FAO), sustainable forestry comprises seven core aspects: the preservation of biological diversity, the restoration and maintenance of forest health and vitality, the preservation and improvement of production functions (wood and non -wood), the maintenance and improvement of the protective functions, the maintenance of other socio -economic functions and advantages, as well as the legal, Institutional and economic framework for the forest.

methods of sustainable forestry

The methods of sustainable forestry include plenty (an approach in which individual trees are removed from a forest in order to maintain a continuous forest with trees of different age groups), mixed forest cultivation, long-term management plans, protection of old and dead wood and furnishings of protected areas.

The advantages of sustainable forestry for climate protection

Sustainable forestry offers several advantages in the fight against climate change.

carbon storage

By preserving and improving the production functions of the forests, sustainable forestry can help increase carbon storage. A properly managed sustainable forestry can save more carbon over time than an unused forest.

carbon binding

Likewise, sustainable forestry can help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere even more by promoting the use of wood products. These products bind carbon over their entire useful life and can fossil fuels in different areas, such as: B. replace in construction or in energy generation.

Renewable energy source

Sustainable forestry also offers a renewable energy source. Due to the sustainable management, forests can deliver biomass that can be used to produce energy. This type of energy generation can replace fossil fuels and thus help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

FAZIT

Sustainable forestry offers an effective way to contain climate change. By preserving and expanding the forests and their use as a renewable resource, we can promote sustainable forestry and at the same time alleviate the effects of climate change. However, it is important to emphasize that sustainable forestry is not enough. It must be part of a broader strategy that also includes reducing emissions from other areas.