Unit 3 - Canada and the World's Forest Land Issues
Renewal Processes
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When forest trees are lost temporarily, due to natural disturbances like fire, or after harvesting, they are still considered forests because the trees will grow back. Deforestation occurs when forests are lost due to urban, agricultural,
or industrial development such as roads, mining, and/or dams. Afforestation is when forests are renewed through planting and/or seeding on land that has not been a forest for a long time. For example, an agricultural area may become a new
forest.
In Unit 1 we learned that, historically, Canada, like most countries of the world, did not manage or conserve its forests.
In Unit 1 we learned that, historically, Canada, like most countries of the world, did not manage or conserve its forests.
Today, Canada is working hard to protect its natural resources and make sure there are forests for future generations to enjoy and use. It has laws in place that ensure logging companies replant trees and take care of the forests. Canada is considered
a world leader in forest management and the renewal process. Canada shares its sustainable forests management policies, knowledge, and technologies with other countries throughout the world who wish to develop their own plans.
Unfortunately, many countries, especially tropical third world countries, have difficulty establishing forest renewal processes. In these countries, deforestation makes room for agriculture or grazing, which provides families with the income they need. In fact, the four products most responsible for tropical deforestation are beef, soy, palm oil, and wood products.
For these families, there are alternatives to forest deforestation, but they take time, support and education. Things not easily accessed or provided in a third-world country.
Unfortunately, many countries, especially tropical third world countries, have difficulty establishing forest renewal processes. In these countries, deforestation makes room for agriculture or grazing, which provides families with the income they need. In fact, the four products most responsible for tropical deforestation are beef, soy, palm oil, and wood products.
For these families, there are alternatives to forest deforestation, but they take time, support and education. Things not easily accessed or provided in a third-world country.
Courtesy of American Association for the Advancement of Science, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aau3445.
In the above image, red and yellow represent deforestation occurring because of economic demand and agriculture. Note which areas of the world these colours are most found in.
Forest Facts
Palm oil is found in half of all supermarket products. It is added to both food and personal products, like lipsticks and shampoo. To grow palm oil trees, the native forest is destroyed. The global palm oil market was valued at $65.73 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $92.84 billion in 2021.
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