Problem
Unsustainable cultivation of long-lifed trees
Other Names:
Unproductive use of trees beyond their commercial lifeOverproduction of trees
Incidence:
Raw timber and wood-processing industries account for 70% of Finland's total exports. Still in 1993, Finland's forests in 1993 produce some 30 million cubic metres of wood more than industry can process. Experts fear that if the consumption of wood continues to decline, the country's healthy forests may degenerate into tangled thickets. The current surplus situation is the result of improved management and harvesting practices of the largely natural forests, and the increasing value of timber as a resource. However, the forests are now in danger of aging beyond the optimal point, meaning that the growth rate will eventually decline. Unthinned forests are no longer an attractive recreational amenity. Older forests are also no help with ameliorating the greenhouse effect because they emit more carbon dioxide than they produce.
Broader Problems:
Unsustainable development of forest lands Related Problems:
Inappropriate tree plantations Aggravates:
Global warmingForest declineThreatened plantation treesUnderutilization of fuelwood energyVulnerability of least developed countries Strategies:
Practicing silvicultureAdapting to climate changeUsing available timber resourcesFarming with trees Subject(s):
Agriculture, Fisheries → CultivationCommerce → Commerce
Development → Sustainable development
Economics → Productivity
Industry → Production
Life → Life
Plant Life → Trees
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST