Climate Change Puts Food and Timber Production in Direct Competition: Study
The study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge has revealed a concerning trend in the impact of climate change on the production of food and timber. As the suitable land for growing crops shifts northwards due to rising temperatures, it is encroaching on the land needed for timber production, creating a competition between the two vital resources.
Under the worst-case scenario for climate change, where no action is taken to reduce carbon emissions, it is projected that over a quarter of existing forestry land, equivalent to the size of India, will become more suitable for agriculture by the end of the century. This shift will primarily affect countries in the northern hemisphere such as the US, Canada, China, and Russia, where most timber production currently takes place.
The study highlights that the increasing demand for both food and wood, coupled with the effects of climate change, will lead to significant challenges in the future. Global food demand is expected to double by 2050, while wood demand is also projected to increase twofold, particularly as a low-carbon alternative for construction materials.
Dr. Oscar Morton, one of the researchers involved in the study, emphasized the importance of long-term planning, stating that the trees that will be harvested by the end of the century are already growing and require careful management. Dr. Chris Bousfield, another researcher, pointed out the environmental risks of expanding timber production into untouched forests, which could release large amounts of carbon and threaten biodiversity.
The researchers also warn that even under the best-case scenario of meeting net zero targets, significant changes in the regions suitable for timber and crop production are inevitable. They stress the need for strategies to ensure both food and wood security in the face of climate change challenges.
The study, published in the journal Nature Climate Change, underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to address the impacts of climate change on food and timber production. With global economies heavily reliant on timber production, and the increasing threats posed by heatwaves, wildfires, and pests, it is crucial to prioritize sustainable practices to secure the future of these essential resources.