Forests, Carbon, Climate Change, and More (or Less)

Forests, Carbon, Climate Change, and More (or Less)

For some reason, the news cycle will bring together a number of articles that are related in some way or other.  I’m working under the assumption that the earth is warming up – I’m not going to argue whether it is man-made or natural (such as, the sun).  Most glaciers have lost significant amount of ice, just in my lifetime.  So yes the earth is warming.

Along with this warming, measured CO2 (carbon) has increased.  So the correlation between the increase in CO2 and warming is made.  As far as I know, no scientist is arguing otherwise.  They may argue cause and effect.  Studies on the financial impact of carbon is ongoing but enough governments accept it that we note financial trading of carbon impact is ongoing.

Our forests take in significant amount of carbon.  Recent studies suggest that 1/3 of all of our carbon is sequestered in our forests.  Forests soak up third of fossil fuel emissions: study  and  US Forest Service Finds that Forests Play Huge Role in Reducing Carbon and Higher Global Temps   So the management of our forests needs to give environmental issues even more consideration than in the past.

Furthermore, the effects of all of this carbon is negative to society and, more than likely, this societal cost is not recognized fully.  A recent study suggests our government’s estimate of the cost is significantly understated - see press release and links to study.  And one should also check this.

Oregon benefits significantly from our forests and timber harvesting.  One major benefit is revenue shared by the Federal government with the local counties for timber harvests.  

credit The Associated Press   

• Some Republicans in Congress want to increase logging in federal forests as a way to provide funds to local communities. That is just one idea offered as a substitute to the expiring county payments program that gave federal funds to counties. (AP)

A few years back the Federal government severely cut back on their timber harvests which put financial hardship on our counties.  Our representatives and senators have successfully argued for financial relief payments.  However, the battle lines are severely drawn in this difficult budget fight in DC.  Reps. Greg Walden, Peter DeFazio wade into treacherous waters to save county timber payments  I hope the environmental value of keeping/maintaining our forests gets considered in this debate.