Report warns forestry industry of climate change impact

Sweden’s forestry industry might have to reduce tree harvesting and increase scientific collaboration if climate change in boreal countries is to be countered, according to a report.

The report, published jointly by the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, summarises discussions from a 2018 conference. The report identifies an urgent need for countries with boreal forests to step up collaboration.

Instead of increasing biomass production to produce more forest products and renewable energy, forest owners may be better advised to harvest fewer trees and give priority to carbon storage in the forest, the report, published on 9 January, says.