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Forest and climate

The world’s forests play a key role in the international debate on climate change. In fact, forests are part of the problem. Nonetheless, forests are also an absolutely essential part of the solution.

Confused? – Keep reading...

The problem: Deforestation

Deforestation of the world’s forest is recognised to account for 15-20% of the annual carbon emission. The main cause of deforestation is the conversion of forest lands into agriculture, urbanisation, illegal logging and poor logging practices.

The solution: Trees and wood products

Basically, CO₂ in the atmosphere can be reduced in two ways; either by reducing emissions or by removing CO₂ and storing it.

Wood has the unique ability to do both. Forests act as carbon sinks and wood products act as carbon storage.

Thanks to photosynthesis, trees can trap large amounts of CO₂ and store it as wood. Therefore wood products are essential for carbon storage. In fact, utilising wood products can help extend the period that the CO₂, initially captured by the forests, stays out of the atmosphere.

The CO₂ stored in the wood remains in the wood until the wood decays. When the wood decays, the CO₂ is released and can be absorbed by new trees and again stored in the wood. To keep this natural cycle of carbon capture and storage we simply need to produce and use more wood products.

The added value: Sustainably produced timber

Sustainably managed forests are more efficient carbon sinks than forests that are not used. In a sustainably managed forest there is a constant cycle of natural regrowth. Younger trees in growth absorb more CO² than mature trees and hence more CO² is captured.

Sustainable forestry and sustainably produced timber is not just preferable for its crucial role in mitigating climate change. Sustainable forest management also preserves the natural biodiversity and wildlife of forests and maintains the important ecosystem services provided by the forests. Sustainable forestry also guarantees that the rights of forest workers, local communities and indigenous people are safeguarded. 

DLH - caring for climate

Being in the timber and wood business, we are aware of the role we can play in combating climate change. Our Good Supplier Programme, our supplier projects, and our goal of increasing our sales of verified and certified wood and timber products, are the means through which we aim to make a contribution.

Furthermore, we:

• Report annually to Carbon Disclosure Project
•  Report annually to Forest Footprint Disclosure Project