Forests and carbon capture

[robkelk]

Remember how I keep telling people to check the numbers, get the facts, and don't listen to people who have a vested interest in getting you to think their way?

Well, here's a worked example of that approach.

Canada's forests actually emit more carbon than they absorb — despite what you've heard on Facebook

Which is simple logic, after all. The carbon that a tree takes into itself while it's growing gets released when it dies and decomposes - and (thanks to wildfires and insect infestations) there have been a lot more trees dying than being planted in the last couple of decades.

Does anybody have relevant statistics for other forests?

If you want to use trees to sequester carbon, you have to keep them from decomposing after they die. Build buildings out of wood, Buy and use wooden furniture. Buy books instead of using the Internet for everything - and keep the books (preferably on wooden bookshelves). And so on.