Are forests a renewable resource?

Globally, forests hold an energy content approximately 10 times that of the world’s annual primary energy consumption. They thus have significant potential as renewable resources to meet global energy demand.

Do unmanaged forests provide good carbon storage?

Healthy and stable unmanaged forests provide good carbon storage, but carbon sequestration is likely to decrease in future as they approach maturity. The risk of carbon losses will increase, in part due to climate change.

Which forest has the highest carbon storage?

Unmanaged forests have the highest carbon storage, but low to negligible carbon sequestration. Managed forests left without human intervention (i.e. those managed forests converted to protected lands) can become unstable. The reason for this instability stems from the fact that formerly managed forests are less adaptable to changing conditions.

Are managed forests a 'carbon pump'?

Sustainably managed forests are efficient in removing CO 2 from the atmosphere, acting as a so-called ‘carbon pump’. Unmanaged forests have the highest carbon storage, but low to negligible carbon sequestration. Managed forests left without human intervention (i.e. those managed forests converted to protected lands) can become unstable.

Why should we invest in forests?

Greater investment in technological innovation and in sustainably managed forests is the key to increasing forests’ role as a major source of renewable energy. In this way, we invest in our sustainable future, in meeting several Sustainable Development Goals and in growing a green economy.

Why are forests important?

Covering about one-third of the Earth's land surface, forests provide essential ecosystems services, from soil conservation, and water management , timber and raw materials for hundreds of millions of people, and climate regulation. How do forests help to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?