Forestry and logging sector plays a vital role in the global economy, environment, and society. It provides timber, paper, and other forest products, supports biodiversity and ecosystem services, and mitigates climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) in trees and soil. However, it also contributes to carbon emissions through deforestation, forest degradation, and forest fires. Therefore, decarbonisation in forestry and logging sector is crucial to achieve sustainable development goals, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This article will explore the importance, sources, reduction, challenges, and implications of decarbonisation in forestry and logging sector.

What is decarbonisation in "Forestry and logging" sector and why is it important?

Decarbonisation is the process of reducing or eliminating carbon emissions from human activities, such as energy production, transportation, industry, agriculture, and forestry. In forestry and logging sector, decarbonisation involves reducing emissions from deforestation, forest degradation, and forest fires, while enhancing carbon sequestration through afforestation, reforestation, and sustainable forest management. Decarbonisation is important for several reasons:

• Climate change mitigation: Forests are one of the largest carbon sinks on Earth, storing about 638 gigatons of carbon in biomass and soil. However, deforestation and forest degradation release about 10% of global GHG emissions, mainly from burning and decomposition of wood and peat. Therefore, decarbonisation in forestry and logging sector can help to reduce GHG emissions and limit global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, as agreed in the Paris Agreement.
• Biodiversity conservation: Forests are home to about 80% of terrestrial biodiversity, including many endangered and endemic species. However, deforestation and forest degradation also threaten biodiversity by destroying habitats, fragmenting landscapes, and altering ecosystems. Therefore, decarbonisation in forestry and logging sector can help to conserve biodiversity and restore degraded ecosystems, which provide valuable services such as pollination, water regulation, and soil fertility.
• Sustainable development: Forests provide livelihoods and income for millions of people, especially in rural areas, through timber harvesting, non-timber forest products, ecotourism, and other activities. However, unsustainable forestry and logging practices can lead to overexploitation, soil erosion, water pollution, and social conflicts. Therefore, decarbonisation in forestry and logging sector can help to promote sustainable development by balancing economic, social, and environmental objectives.

What are the main sources of carbon emissions in "Forestry and logging" sector?

The main sources of carbon emissions in forestry and logging sector are deforestation, forest degradation, and forest fires. Deforestation is the permanent conversion of forest land to other land uses, such as agriculture, mining, or urbanization. It is driven by various factors, such as population growth, land tenure insecurity, infrastructure development, and global demand for commodities such as soy, palm oil, beef, and timber. Deforestation releases carbon stored in trees and soil, as well as reduces the capacity of forests to absorb carbon in the future. According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020, the world lost 178 million hectares of forest between 1990 and 2020, equivalent to 7.6 million hectares per year.

Forest degradation is the temporary or permanent reduction of forest quality, density, or productivity, due to human or natural causes, such as selective logging, fuelwood collection, grazing, pests, diseases, or storms. Forest degradation releases carbon stored in damaged or dead trees, as well as reduces the ability of forests to sequester carbon in the future. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), forest degradation accounts for about 20% of global GHG emissions from land use change and forestry.

Forest fires are the accidental or intentional burning of forest vegetation, which can occur naturally or as a result of human activities, such as land clearing, hunting, or arson. Forest fires release carbon stored in trees and soil, as well as emit other pollutants such as smoke, ash, and particulate matter, which can affect human health, air quality, and climate. According to the Global Forest Watch, the world lost 12.2 million hectares of tree cover due to fires in 2020, the third-highest annual total since 2001.

How can we reduce carbon emissions in "Forestry and logging" sector?

There are several ways to reduce carbon emissions in forestry and logging sector, such as:

• Reducing deforestation: This can be achieved by addressing the underlying drivers of deforestation, such as land use policies, property rights, subsidies, and consumer demand. For example, governments can enforce laws and regulations that prohibit illegal logging, protect indigenous peoples' rights, and promote sustainable land use practices. Companies can adopt zero-deforestation commitments, traceability systems, and certification schemes that ensure responsible sourcing of commodities. Consumers can choose products that are certified as sustainable, such as FSC or PEFC, or that have a low carbon footprint, such as recycled paper or bamboo.
• Restoring degraded forests: This can be done by planting trees, improving soil fertility, and enhancing biodiversity, which can increase carbon sequestration and provide other ecosystem services. For example, governments can launch large-scale reforestation programs, such as the Bonn Challenge or the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative, which aim to restore 350 million hectares of degraded and deforested land by 2030. Companies can invest in restoration projects that align with their sustainability goals and provide co-benefits such as water conservation, erosion control, and job creation. Communities can participate in restoration activities that enhance their livelihoods and resilience, such as agroforestry, beekeeping, or ecotourism.
• Managing forests sustainably: This can be achieved by adopting practices that balance timber production, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration, such as selective logging, reduced impact logging, or community forestry. For example, governments can develop national forest policies that promote sustainable forest management, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Companies can source timber from sustainably managed forests and support certification systems that ensure responsible forest practices. Communities can manage their forests collectively and benefit from the ecosystem services they provide, such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and cultural heritage.
• Preventing forest fires: This can be done by reducing the risk of ignition, improving fire management, and restoring fire-adapted ecosystems. For example, governments can invest in fire prevention measures, such as firebreaks, early warning systems, and public awareness campaigns. They can also improve fire suppression techniques, such as aerial firefighting, ground crews, and fire retardants. Companies can avoid using fire as a land clearing method and adopt alternative methods such as mechanical clearing or herbicides. Communities can use traditional fire management practices, such as controlled burning or grazing, that reduce the fuel load and prevent catastrophic fires.

What are the challenges facing decarbonisation in "Forestry and logging" sector?

Decarbonisation in forestry and logging sector faces several challenges, such as:

• Political will: Many countries lack the political will to address the root causes of deforestation and forest degradation, such as corruption, weak governance, and conflicting interests. Some governments prioritize economic growth over environmental protection, or favor short-term gains over long-term sustainability. This can lead to ineffective or inconsistent policies, inadequate enforcement, and lack of funding for conservation and restoration.
• Economic incentives: Many actors in forestry and logging sector have economic incentives to continue unsustainable practices, such as high profits from illegal logging, low wages for forest workers, or low prices for certified products. This can create a vicious circle of poverty, exploitation, and environmental degradation, that perpetuates the status quo and undermines decarbonisation efforts. Moreover, the transition to sustainable practices may require upfront investments, such as certification costs, restoration expenses, or training programs, that may not be affordable for small-scale or marginalized actors.
• Technical capacity: Many actors in forestry and logging sector lack the technical capacity to adopt sustainable practices, such as knowledge of silviculture, forest inventory, or fire management. This can lead to inefficient or ineffective practices, that reduce the productivity, quality, or resilience of forests, and may even cause more harm than good. Moreover, the technical capacity may vary across regions, countries, or sectors, depending on factors such as education, research, or innovation.
• Social inclusion: Many actors in forestry and logging sector are excluded from decision-making processes, such as indigenous peoples, local communities, or women. This can lead to conflicts, mistrust, and resistance, that hinder the implementation of sustainable practices and the achievement of social and environmental justice. Moreover, the social inclusion may require addressing issues such as land tenure, cultural identity, or gender equality, that may be complex and sensitive.
• Climate change impacts: Climate change may exacerbate the challenges facing decarbonisation in forestry and logging sector, such as by increasing the frequency and intensity of forest fires, pests, and storms, or by reducing the suitability of certain tree species or ecosystems. This can lead to feedback loops, where the impacts of climate change reduce the capacity of forests to sequester carbon, which in turn exacerbates climate change. Moreover, the adaptation to climate change may require additional investments, such as irrigation systems, drought-resistant crops, or early warning systems, that may compete with decarbonisation efforts.

What are the implications of decarbonisation for "Forestry and logging" sector?

Decarbonisation in forestry and logging sector has several implications, such as:

• Economic opportunities: Decarbonisation can create new economic opportunities for actors in forestry and logging sector, such as by promoting sustainable forest management, restoration, or certification. This can generate jobs, income, and value-added products, that contribute to sustainable development and poverty reduction. Moreover, decarbonisation can enhance the reputation, competitiveness, and access to markets of companies that adopt sustainable practices, and can attract investments from green finance and impact investors.
• Innovation and technology: Decarbonisation can stimulate innovation and technology development in forestry and logging sector, such as by improving forest monitoring, fire prevention, or carbon accounting. This can enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and transparency of forest management, and can facilitate the integration of forestry and logging sector into global climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. Moreover, decarbonisation can foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among actors in forestry and logging sector, and can promote the adoption of best practices and standards.
• Social and environmental co-benefits: Decarbonisation can generate social and environmental co-benefits for actors in forestry and logging sector, such as by improving biodiversity conservation, water regulation, or cultural heritage. This can enhance the resilience, well-being, and identity of local communities, and can contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals. Moreover, decarbonisation can promote social and environmental justice, by recognizing the rights, needs, and aspirations of marginalized or vulnerable groups, such as indigenous peoples, women, or youth.
• Policy and governance: Decarbonisation can influence policy and governance frameworks in forestry and logging sector, such as by promoting international cooperation, national legislation, or local participation. This can enhance the effectiveness, legitimacy, and accountability of forest governance, and can contribute to the achievement of global environmental agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity, or the Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, decarbonisation can foster dialogue and negotiation among actors in forestry and logging sector, and can promote the resolution of conflicts and disputes.

Conclusion

Decarbonisation in forestry and logging sector is a complex and multifaceted challenge, that requires a holistic and integrated approach, that balances economic, social, and environmental objectives. It involves reducing carbon emissions from deforestation, forest degradation, and forest fires, while enhancing carbon sequestration through afforestation, reforestation, and sustainable forest management. Decarbonisation is important for climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. However, it faces several challenges, such as political will, economic incentives, technical capacity, social inclusion, and climate change impacts. Decarbonisation has several implications, such as economic opportunities, innovation and technology, social and environmental co-benefits, and policy and governance. Therefore, decarbonisation in forestry and logging sector requires a collaborative and adaptive approach, that involves all actors, from governments and companies to communities and consumers, and that recognizes the complexity and diversity of the sector.