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Canada’s forest sector shares net-zero roadmap at COP 28

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) shared in a press statement that at COP 28 in Dubai, Canada’s forest sector launched a national report at the Canadian Pavilion outlining the contributions it can make towards reducing emissions and combating the escalating impacts of natural disturbances across the country.

FPAC explains that the report, Climate Change Mitigation in Canada’s Forest Products Sector: Roadmap Toward Net-Zero, was developed in partnership with sustainability experts at the Delphi Group and provides an actionable roadmap to help seize the benefits of climate-smart forestry, responsible forest management, and the use of carbon-storing wood products in the face of worsening natural disturbances including drought, pest outbreaks, and wildland fire.

“For decades, Canada’s forest sector and its workers have committed to sustainable forest management practices and a focus on environmental stewardship – playing a proactive role in global dialogue and adhering to national and international emissions reporting standards that quantify forestry-related climate and carbon impacts,” said FPAC president and CEO Derek Nighbor. “Our collective experience underscores the urgency of proactive measures to mitigate wildfire risks and protect our people, communities, and critical infrastructure. As we come off the worst fire season in our country’s history, the need for forestry solutions including the more active management of Canada’s forests has never been more important.”

The findings of the report highlight that with the rapid adoption of new technologies, appropriate investments and new policies, Canada’s forest products sector could contribute 18 to 46 million tonnes CO₂e in emission reductions annually (relative to current emissions) by 2050. Climate-smart forestry practices will also make Canada’s forests more resilient and help mitigate the impacts of worsening natural disturbances, including increasingly frequent and devastating wildfires.

Collaboration across the entire value chain, from the forest floor to product disposal at end-of-life and across other sectors will be required to ensure success, notes FPAC.

“The work of Canada’s foresters continues to evolve as forest health and the safety of Canadians living in forested communities is increasingly challenged by worsening pest and fire outbreaks,” said FPAC senior vice-president and chief sustainability officer Kate Lindsay. “The forest sector recognizes the importance of global pledges to advance climate action, halt and reverse deforestation and land degradation, and promote sustainable sourcing. These efforts are part of a bigger international dialogue, and Canada must do this work in step with its international partners. We are particularly pleased to see Canada and 16 other countries sign on to the ‘Coalition on Greening Construction with Sustainable Wood’, under the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership, as well as countries recognizing the numerous opportunities to scale up national and global forest bioeconomies here at COP 28.”