The Forestry Institute of New Zealand has issued an open letter warning that the country may fail to meet its climate commitments due to a lack of action on forestry. The letter, signed by over 100 forestry experts, calls for urgent action to increase the planting of trees and improve forest management practices.
New Zealand has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030, and to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Forestry is a key part of the country’s climate strategy, as trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their wood and soil.
However, the letter warns that New Zealand’s forestry sector is not currently on track to meet these targets. The country has experienced a decline in forest planting in recent years, with only 7,000 hectares of new forest planted in 2020, compared to a target of 50,000 hectares per year.
The letter also highlights issues with forest management practices, such as the use of clear-cutting and monoculture plantations, which can lead to soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and reduced carbon storage. The experts call for a shift towards more sustainable forestry practices, such as mixed-species plantations and selective logging.
The letter urges the government to take action to address these issues, including increasing funding for forestry research and development, providing incentives for landowners to plant trees, and implementing policies to promote sustainable forest management.
The forestry sector has the potential to play a significant role in New Zealand’s efforts to combat climate change. By increasing the planting of trees and improving forest management practices, the country can not only reduce its greenhouse gas emissions but also provide economic benefits through the production of timber and other forest products.
The open letter from the Forestry Institute serves as a wake-up call for the government and the wider public to take action on forestry. It is essential that New Zealand takes a proactive approach to forestry if it is to meet its climate commitments and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
- SEO Powered Content & PR Distribution. Get Amplified Today.
- PlatoData.Network Vertical Generative Ai. Empower Yourself. Access Here.
- PlatoAiStream. Web3 Intelligence. Knowledge Amplified. Access Here.
- PlatoESG. Automotive / EVs, Carbon, CleanTech, Energy, Environment, Solar, Waste Management. Access Here.
- BlockOffsets. Modernizing Environmental Offset Ownership. Access Here.
- Source: Plato Data Intelligence.