The forest sector contributed more than US$1.52 trillion to the world\u2019s national economies in 2015, generating significant revenues for countries and companies\u2014as well as communities. The global pulp and paper industry is one of the largest industrial sectors in the world. This sector accounts for 13%\u201315% of total wood consumption and uses between 33%\u201340% of all industrial wood traded globally. Some common pulp and paper products include office and catalog paper, glossy paper, tissue, and paper-based packaging. The United States is the second-largest paper producer and consumer country in the world after China.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n\u00a9 Theodore Kaye \/ WWF-China<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Other key forest products sectors include wood products used for construction lumber, furniture, flooring, and decking; products that come from trees, like natural rubber; and other uses of wood such as pellets for bioenergy.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, some forest products operations have had devastating impacts on the world\u2019s most ecologically important places and species. Illegal and unsustainable logging and conversion of forests for fast-growing timber plantations have destroyed high conservation value forests around the globe, impacting water quantity and quality and causing significant human rights violations and social conflicts. These issues are particularly severe in regions with a history of poor forest governance, including the Congo Basin, the Amazon, the Greater Mekong, Borneo and Sumatra, and the Russian Far East.<\/p>\n
Deforestation and forest degradation contribute up to 15% of carbon emissions globally, and their climate impacts can be particularly serious in regions with deep peatlands, such as Sumatra. Peat soils store tremendous amounts of carbon that are released into the atmosphere when natural forests are converted for commodities like pulp and rubber.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n\u00a9 Andre Dib \/ WWF-Brazil<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Given the global nature of the forest products trade, illegal and unsustainably sourced forest products from these regions can reach markets\u2014and unsuspecting customers\u2014all over the world. Even in countries with relatively better forest laws and law enforcement, there are still instances of timber theft and unsustainable practices that make forests more vulnerable to stresses like wildfires, disease, and invasive species.<\/p>\n
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The good news is that when forests are managed in a socially and environmentally responsible way, it can bring many benefits to local economies while safeguarding biodiversity and natural resources like water; mitigating the effects of climate change; and promoting social values. An increasing number of forest managers and forest products companies recognize the business and brand value of employing responsible forestry and plantation management practices by implementing the rigorous standards of the <\/span>Forest Stewardship Council\u00ae (FSC\u00ae)<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n US consumers can also play a key role in supporting responsible forestry by choosing products that are recycled or made with virgin fiber that is FSC certified. (You can find products certified to the FSC standard <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a9 Isaac VEGA \/ WWF-Spain<\/p>\n<\/div>\n World Wildlife Fund (WWF) works through its <\/span>Forests Forward<\/span><\/a> program to engage with companies and other stakeholders around the globe to deliver effective nature-based strategies for forests that help achieve their business and sustainability goals.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Forests Forward combines the successes and learnings of WWF\u2019s decades of engagement with companies through its Global Forest & Trade Network while harnessing business interest in advancing\u202f<\/span>nature-based solutions<\/span><\/a>\u202fto deliver meaningful, long-term benefits for nature, climate, and people.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These efforts demonstrate the immense need for us all to think about how our everyday actions have consequences for the environment and the species (including humans) that call our planet home. The results are clear: Market demand in the US for responsibly sourced forest products can influence and improve forest management practices all over the world. Working together, we can all be part of the solution and make a positive impact on communities and habitats\u2014around the corner and the globe.<\/p>\n In addition to buying FSC-certified and recycled products, there are lots of ways consumers can help protect forests. This includes recycling paper and paper-based packaging, printing double-sided, shopping for used furniture, and getting involved with organizations working to protect forests around the globe. And if you live in the US, you can ask your congressional representatives to support the FOREST Act<\/a> by going to our website worldwildlife.org<\/a> and clicking \u201cTake Action\u201d at the bottom of the page. By doing so, you can help prevent illegally deforested products from entering US markets.<\/span><\/p>\n By Linda Walker, senior director of corporate engagement for forests at World Wildlife Fund<\/p>\n The post How Consumers Can Keep Forests Thriving<\/a> first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Forests are vital to all life on Earth. They filter the water we drink and the air we breathe. They provide essential medicines, food, and fuel for billions of people, including Indigenous peoples who call…<\/p>\n![\"Pile](\"http:\/\/lookbangalore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/FSC-corks.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhat WWF Is Doing to Support Forests<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
What Can You Do?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n