A look into the varying futures of the world’s forests
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) released today its flagship publication Forest Futures. This is a compelling, research-based look at possible future scenarios of the world’s forests by 2050. This critical work explores how wavering global commitments to forest management could shape our planet’s future.
A critical juncture for forests worldwide
In the absence of robust forest management efforts, the scenario is grim. The health and size of our forests are projected to deteriorate significantly. Threats such as climate change, illegal logging, fossil fuel exploration, urbanization, and agricultural land degradation will persist, leading to significant biodiversity loss and habitat destruction.
The impact will affect the environment and communities that depend on forests for their livelihoods, including indigenous peoples who have stewarded these lands for generations.
Transforming our future with forests
The publication underscores the necessity to reassess our structures, capabilities, worldviews, and attitudes towards forests and our stewardship. By delving into past and present challenges, Forest Futures provides a comprehensive understanding of global forestry, culminating in the crucial insight that forest stewardship is vital for a sustainable future.
“Our future is undoubtedly linked to the health of our forests” says Kim Carstensen, Director General, FSC International. “Forest Futures demonstrates that with the right level of responsible forest management, we can have healthy ecosystems that help biodiversity thrive while supporting people and local communities”.
Forest Futures is FSC’s global call for immediate, collective action to unlock the transformative potential of forest stewardship. Effective management practices represent a tangible, actionable strategy for achieving long-term ecological and economic stability.