The Boreal and global warming

Both photos on this page by Garth Lenz

When it comes to preventing dangerous climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from smokestacks and tailpipes is only part of the equation. Another key piece is protecting the forests, soils and wetlands that store vast amounts of carbon.

The planet’s forests are essential in shielding us from global warming. Forests absorb carbon, storing it in their trees, plants and soils. Deforestation and forest degradation account for nearly 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The Boreal Forest stores a whopping 559 giga-tonnes of carbon—more carbon than any other terrestrial ecosystem.

Ontario has an important role in shielding us from global warming by protecting our Boreal Forest. 

• Ontario’s Boreal Forest stores 8.5 billion tonnes of carbon in its trees and soil and 5.2 billion tonnes of carbon in peat. Each hectare stores 165 tonnes of carbon.
• Every year, logging in Ontario releases an estimated 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere—roughly equal to the emissions from all light-duty gasoline trucks in the province.
• A government study has found that reducing the rate of logging by just 0.5% annually would store an additional 190,000 tonnes of carbon per year.
• Intact Boreal Forests store up to 25% more carbon than forests that are being used for timber production. Nearly two-thirds of Ontario’s Boreal is intact.
• The carbon the Boreal contains is worth an estimated $386 billion per year when the global costs and economic risks of climate change are accounted for.