Climate benefits of Nordic forestry revisited, a review

Forests and forestry are relevant for multiple uses and benefits. The increasing urgency of climate change warrants consideration of how to balance use of forests as a carbon sink and use of wood for products. Carbon sink benefits are recognized in climate science, international climate policy, and also integrated into, e.g. the EU’s climate mitigation pathways. Climate benefits of forest products are more open-ended as they are subject to changes in markets, consumption, energy systems, and development of alternative products. Estimates of products’ substitution benefits vary and depend on uncertain counterfactuals. The question on how to best manage the forest for climate benefits is compounded by uncertainties in trends in forest growth, harvests, and damages. It also challenges forestry traditions in countries with intensive forestry such as the Nordic countries. At the same time, there is considerable evidence for potential for increased climate benefits by means of strengthened carbon sinks, protection of carbon stocks on forest land, changes of forestry practices, and upscaling of value-adding uses of harvested wood. In addition, a more integrated policy is called for if these potentials are to be leveraged.