Why are forest sinks a good idea?
Forest sinks are the only accepted, proven and quantifiable method of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Whilst energy reduction and renewable energy projects reduce the amount of carbon going into the atmosphere and stop the problem getting worse, forests actually deal with carbon dioxide that is already in the atmosphere, in effect fixing the existing problem.
Whilst the forests grow they will provide additional benefits to the environment and community and if it is a managed commercial forest it will eventually give us timber products that take the pressure off logging in rainforests.
Forests present a low risk and environmentally sound method of mitigating climate change. Their benefits extend to reducing wind speeds, surface temperatures, erosion, water quality decline, and they provide habitat for Australia's unique animals.
Forest sinks are not the answer to climate change. They are a very important part of the solution as they will buy us time to develop other technologies. Large scale renewable energy, carbon capture and storage are all many years away from making a significant contribution to our power supply. Forests will sequester 65 to 70% of their carbon in the first 30 years. Massive reafforestation will give us some time to develop, test and deploy other technologies in the pipeline.
Investing in forest systems in Australia makes sense as we have an urgent need to revegetate our landscape. We have the complete range of professional services, infrastructure and stable political and land tenure system to create low risk forests. Australia also has a number of hardy and fire adapted plants that will respond to fire events and either regrow as part of their natural cycle or withstand some fire events.
Why should landholders get involved?
Forest sinks have been identified by both major parties as an important tool in the fight against climate change. Farmers have always known that trees play an important role in a well managed farm. The opportunity now exists for landholders to receive an ongoing income for growing forest sinks.
Australian Carbon Traders gives landholders, farmers, councils and business the opportunity to access the carbon market on their terms. By owning your forest sink you can maximise your returns. When managed properly, forest sinks provide a low risk, cost effective land use option for landholders.
If you are asking : why should I be investing in forests, perhaps you should be asking : why not?
