Collapsing Forest Eco-Systems Could Destabilize Economies, Study Finds

Forbes

14 hours ago

EUREKA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 19 : Barren hillsides on forest lands near Headwaters Forest (CA) are ... More stripped of trees and harvested by loggers, December 19, 1998 in Eureka, California. (Photo by Getty Images/Bob Riha, Jr.)
The collapse of forest ecosystems could destabilise societies and economies around the globe, according to a new analysis.
The study by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) highlights the role of forests in upholding and enhancing the resilience of social and economic systems.
But it warns many forests are being pushed to the brink of collapse, which could send ripple effects across the globe, destabilising societies and economies, and it adds they simply cannot be 'put back together again' afterwards.
The report also warns the world's forests are not immune to global political and socio-economic shifts.
It argues as political polarisation grows, and climate change is becoming less of a priority, markets are shifting and changing the way in which forests are being managed.
The study also calls on policymakers to recognise that forests are not isolated systems but instead exist as social-ecological systems.
It also adds forests can contribute to social well-being by improving public health, community cohesion, and quality of life.
'Urban forests are invaluable assets for economic resilience, offering both direct and indirect benefits to urban dwellers, and others,' the report states.
'From an economic standpoint, urban trees have been shown to increase property values and attract businesses and tourists.'
Dr. Craig Allen, from the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, said forests around the world are under pressure in an interview.
Dr. Allen said in some countries forest land is being lost to agriculture, urbanization or wildfires, which can have a direct impact on both the eco-systems around them and the people who rely on them for their livelihoods.
'The economic impacts of forests are enormous,' he told me. 'If your forest ecosystem collapses, there are going to be knock-on effects to society
'These range from timber products to carbon sequestration. And when we lose forest after forest, the impact scales up to further exacerbate the pace of global change.
'It's critically important not to allow those collapses to happen, because we do not really know how to restore functioning, complex forest eco-systems.'
Dr. Nelson Grima, coordinator of the science-policy programme at IUFRO said when we destabilise forests, the impacts can be felt across all regions and economies in a statement.
Dr. Grima added every person relies on forests to either regulate their climate, sequester carbon, or to alleviate poverty, ensure food and clean water or to keep economies stable.
The report comes as American Forests, in partnership with the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, launches a new shade map, which maps the shade infrastructure for some of the largest urbanized areas in more than 360 cities and towns.
The map aims to help decision-makers identify existing shade deserts and prioritize investments in trees and engineered shade solutions to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat.
It is part of American Forests' national movement to advance tree equity, ensuring that every neighborhood has access to the life-saving benefits of trees.
American Forests' senior director of data, design and UX, Julia Twichell said on average, trees deliver 25 times more shade than buildings in U.S. cities at noon when the sun is directly overhead in a statement.
Prof. Kelly Turner, at associate director at UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, said shade is one of the most effective tools there is to cool people when they are outside in an interview.
Prof. Turner added shade provided by trees can be stable throughout the day, while shade provided by buildings can vary depending on what time it is.
'Tree shade can also provide additional benefits, which building shade cannot, like ecological, psychological and mental health benefits,' said Professor Turner.