Dame Anne Salmond: Look at the tree to see the tree
climate change
Given the high proven value of primary forests, you would think that protecting primary forests would be a no-brainer in this country. But for some reason, politicians have been persuaded otherwise, writes Dame Anne Salmond.
A few months ago, a global group of leading scientists Scientist’s Warning to Humanity About the fate of primeval forests. They started by observing that, according to the latest evidence, he one-third of the world’s tree species are endangered.
Since trees play a vital role in many of the systems that support life on Earth, including the water and carbon cycles, and provide habitat for at least half of the world’s terrestrial plant and animal species, this is a system impediment. and a chain of extinction that endangers the very future of humanity, just as climate change is increasing the risk of devastating fires and disease.
In this authoritative study, scientists warn that forests and human destinies are inextricably linked. They point out that primary forests provide about three-quarters of the world’s accessible freshwater, regulate surface and groundwater flows, maintain high water quality through filtration, and protect against floods and droughts. It reduces water-related risks such as
They protect soils from erosion and reduce sedimentation downstream of rivers and harbors. It strengthens soil strength and structure and maintains the biological activity on which soil fertility depends.
It also accounts for 80% of the Earth’s total terrestrial plant biomass and collectively contains more carbon than is stored in the atmosphere. Natural forests store more carbon than plantations and have been storing carbon for centuries.
To quote them, “Primary forests are particularly important, playing a key role in both the storage and sequestration of atmospheric carbon. The carbon balance of is usually positive, indicating that primary forests can continue to accumulate carbon even after most trees have reached maturity…
“Forests contain about 80% of the amphibian species, 75% of the bird species and 68% of the world’s mammal species. They live in forests, and so do other very diverse groups, such as soil bacteria, fungi, and nematodes.”
Extinction cascades due to tree species loss are disrupting basic ecosystem processes. Serious changes in the dynamics of associated aquatic ecosystems.
“The protection of natural forests should therefore be a central component of any approach to mitigating climate change.”
Given this ominous warning, you would think that protecting and expanding natural forests in response to climate change would be a piece of cake. In Aotearoa, New Zealand, for example, various extinction chains have already begun. 4000 native species at riskI believe that the protection and expansion of virgin forests will be an important element of the climate change framework.
Indeed, the Climate Change Commission is aware of this and is recommending a significant expansion of native forests for carbon sequestration in New Zealand.
what about our politicians? They also got the point (at least for the time being) and proposed to reserve the upcoming category of ‘permanent forest’ in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for natural forests.
Given that this is a new category for ETS, that ETS is already primarily dedicated to funding pine trees. And it makes perfect sense that many farmers would be able to earn income from native forests and eroded gullies around waterways. I’m not sure how to do that until the cabinet changes its mind.
So much for the brave tales of the native plant and animal ‘Kaitiakitanga’. Again, New Zealand’s ‘clean green image’ is being ruined.
Aotearoa New Zealand currently has two key strategies to reduce its carbon footprint. One is to buy carbon credits offshore and perhaps he will spend $30 billion to “restore” natural forests in other countries. As Jez Weston and Rohan McMahon point outHowever, most of these markets are risky and New Zealand faces stiff competition from other countries. There is no guarantee that this investment will deliver true climate results at scale.
Another strategy is to use the Emissions Trading Scheme to plant large areas of pine radiata. This is an exotic conifer monoculture designed intensively for rapid biomass accumulation. Pine trees have their place, but they are relatively short-lived, shallow-rooted, and flammable. Frankly, it’s one of the last species to use for long-term carbon sequestration, given the devastating risk of fire, storms, pests, and disease. climate change.
Calling a pine plantation a “permanent forest” is an oxymoron.
Meanwhile, planting and regeneration of New Zealand’s natural forests is declining, with many sheep and beef farms being placed under pine trees. It’s a shameful result that makes politicians blush.from now on O Tātou Ngāhere Conference Te Papa Tongarewa will highlight the importance of primary forests as a way to address long-term climate and biodiversity crises.
Some parts of business and government have finally come to their senses and stopped sacrificing our children and grandchildren (and their children’s futures!) for short-term political and economic gain. Let’s hope it will come. cliff.
* Join O Tātou Ngahere ~ Our Forest, Aotearoa online with Tim Flannery and other experts. This conference is New Zealand’s largest conference on how and why to restore and manage old growth forests.sign up with link O Tātou Ngahereprovided by . pure advantage When Tāne’s Tree Trust ” *
https://www.newsroom.co.nz/ideasroom/dame-anne-salmond-seeing-the-wood-from-the-trees Dame Anne Salmond: Look at the tree to see the tree