Climate change is increasing the susceptibility of the world’s forests to stressors such as wildfires and pests, according to a new flagship publication by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) that emphasizes the role of innovation in achieving a sustainable future for the forestry sector.
The flagship publication, “The State of the World’s Forests 2024: Forest-sector innovations towards a more sustainable future,” underscores how climate change is exacerbating vulnerabilities in the world’s forests to stressors such as wildfires and pests and emphasizes the critical role of innovation in advancing forest sustainability.
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FORESTS
- Increased Wildfire Activity: Climate change is driving up the intensity and frequency of wildfires, affecting areas previously less prone to such events. In 2023 alone, wildfires released an estimated 6,687 mega tonnes of carbon dioxide globally. Boreal fires, responsible for a significant portion of these emissions, have reached record highs, primarily due to extended droughts that increase fire severity and fuel consumption.
- Vulnerability to Pests and Invasive Species: Forests are increasingly susceptible to invasive species and pests. The pine wood nematode has caused severe damage to pine forests in Asia, and North America is expected to face substantial damage from insects and diseases by 2027.
FOREST SECTOR DYNAMICS
- Wood Production: Despite a brief decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, global wood production remains high at approximately 4 billion cubic meters annually.
- Dependence on Non-Timber Products: Nearly 6 billion people use non-timber forest products, with 70% of the world’s poor relying on these resources for various needs. Global demand for roundwood is projected to increase by up to 49% between 2020 and 2050.
INNOVATION AS A PATH TO SUSTAINABILITY
Types of Innovation
The report identifies five key types of innovation necessary for enhancing forest sector sustainability:
- Technological: Examples include the use of AI for analyzing vast amounts of data from drones and satellites, and the development of mass timber products that can replace fossil-based materials in construction.
- Social: Innovations that engage women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples in developing and implementing locally driven solutions.
- Policy: Formulating policies that support sustainable forest management and innovation.
- Institutional: Creating institutions that facilitate and support innovation in the forestry sector.
- Financial: Innovating in public and private sector finance to enhance the value and conservation of standing forests.
Enabling Actions for Scaling Up Innovation
To successfully implement innovations in forestry, the report proposes five enabling actions:
- Raising Awareness: Increasing understanding and visibility of forest-sector innovations.
- Boosting Skills and Knowledge: Enhancing capabilities and knowledge related to forest-sector innovations.
- Encouraging Partnerships: Promoting transformational partnerships across sectors and stakeholders.
- Accessible Finance: Ensuring that financing for innovation is universally accessible.
- Incentivizing Policies: Developing policies and regulations that incentivize innovation and sustainability in forestry.
CASE STUDIES AND EXAMPLES
The report includes 18 case studies from around the world showcasing a range of technological, social, policy, institutional, and financial innovations. These examples illustrate how various innovations are being applied in real-world conditions to address forest-sector challenges.
The SOFO 2024 report highlights the increasing threats posed by climate change to global forests and underscores the vital role of innovation in addressing these challenges. By leveraging technological, social, policy, institutional, and financial innovations, the forestry sector can make significant strides towards sustainability and resilience. The ongoing discussions and award recognitions during COFO and World Forest Week further emphasize the need for continued innovation and collaborative efforts in forestry.
