Trees are a major component in the EU plans for limiting climate change. Although 38% of their collective land surface is forested (which sounds a lot), most of the trees are commercially planted for harvesting. However, the loss of biomass (through harvesting) appears to be accelerating. In 2016-2018 it was 69% higher than in 2011-2015, which means the forests are being lost (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/01/europe-losing-forest-to-harvesting-at-alarming-rate-data-suggests). This indicates that an increased demand for wood is resulting in excessive harvesting (especially in Sweden). When trees are not growing, their is zero removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. It makes you think that it is a bit rich, when the EU criticises the Brazilians for their care of the Amazon rainforest (although that is clearly ecologically disastrous). I wish the EU would plant more natural forest without the view of harvesting the wood.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Thursday, 2 July 2020
Can't see the Trees for the Wood
Trees are a major component in the EU plans for limiting climate change. Although 38% of their collective land surface is forested (which sounds a lot), most of the trees are commercially planted for harvesting. However, the loss of biomass (through harvesting) appears to be accelerating. In 2016-2018 it was 69% higher than in 2011-2015, which means the forests are being lost (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/01/europe-losing-forest-to-harvesting-at-alarming-rate-data-suggests). This indicates that an increased demand for wood is resulting in excessive harvesting (especially in Sweden). When trees are not growing, their is zero removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. It makes you think that it is a bit rich, when the EU criticises the Brazilians for their care of the Amazon rainforest (although that is clearly ecologically disastrous). I wish the EU would plant more natural forest without the view of harvesting the wood.
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