World Environment Day 2011: Preserve forests, use them sustainably! | Umweltbundesamt

Global warming has had a range of effects on Germany’s forests. On a positive note, longer vegetation periods have led to increased forest growth. On the downside, however, is water scarcity, the presence of more pests, and greater risk of forest fires. Heat waves and periods of drought, heavy rains, and storms will likely occur more frequently. Forests that are already stressed by pollution will react more sensitively to these new stress factors. The spruce is the best example of how sensitive forests are to global warming. Because of its rapid growth spruce is a popular crop in Germany. Spruce favours cool damp locations, is not very resistant to heat and is vulnerable to bark beetles and strong winds.  On these grounds alone it is no longer viable to grow spruce in some regions. Much less sensitive is mixed woodland that is host to a wide variety of different species and composed of naturally occurring types of trees.

Forests also offset global warming in that they influence the volume of climate gases present in the atmosphere. They absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air but also release it if burned or through decomposition. In order for forests to store more carbon dioxide than they release to the atmosphere overall, action must be taken. “Deforestation must be scaled back considerably worldwide. We must also manage our forests sustainably - and extend preservation activities in some areas to become more comprehensive“, says UBA President Flasbarth. Only through near-natural and environmentally friendly silviculture can we sustain the long-term productivity of our forests, their diversity of species, and the functions they perform.

Wood as a raw material? Sure, but from sustainable sources only please!

Using wood as fuel helps to protect the climate as it only releases as much carbon dioxide as the tree absorbed during its growth period. This saves non-renewable energies such as petroleum, natural gas, coal and uranium. Wood as a building material can be used to substitute non-renewable or less environmentally friendly products such as cement or PVC. Moreover, the CO₂ captured in wood is stored throughout the duration of its use. In order to meet the steady rise in global demand for wood as a resource and for energy in an environmentally compatible way, wood must be managed sustainably and used efficiently. Wherever feasible the use of wood as a source of energy must aim to emit as low levels of particulate emissions as possible. See the UBA flyer on heating with wood (Heizen mit Holz) for valuable advice.

Recognising good wood products: the Blue Angel eco-label

A basic requirement for a healthy and environmentally friendly product is that it was produced sustainably and emitted a low level of emissions during its processing and use. Consumers can recognise such unobjectionable products by the Blue Angel label.

2 June 2011