Washington State’s forest lands pegged for role in climate-change struggle

authordefault
on

As climate change brings more severe weather, forest advocates see timberlands as an invaluable buffer against floods and drought. Environmentalists and some lawmakers envision a time when clean watersheds and undeveloped spaces become increasingly valuable public commodities.

But the exploding human population – especially in western Washington – has led to fears that, as foresters continue to sell off huge parcels to developers, the entire timber industry may collapse.

“I tell everybody I’d rather see timberlands than a strip mall, even a clearcut, because at least it can come back,” said state Senator Ken Jacobsen. “We’ve got plenty of shopping malls, and we are losing 1 percent of the timber base every year.”

Related Posts

on

We debunk some key concepts that the world’s largest food and farming companies will be using to sway debates at the climate summit.

We debunk some key concepts that the world’s largest food and farming companies will be using to sway debates at the climate summit.
on

Research will be for oil sands decarbonization, but critics say the move doubles down on fossil fuel use and production.

Research will be for oil sands decarbonization, but critics say the move doubles down on fossil fuel use and production.
on

Rishi Sunak appears to have sided with anti-green MPs as officials are left confused over how the UK will achieve its legal commitment to net zero.

Rishi Sunak appears to have sided with anti-green MPs as officials are left confused over how the UK will achieve its legal commitment to net zero.
on

Government keeps the ex-Australian leader on the high profile advisory body despite previous calls to sack him over anti-green ties.

Government keeps the ex-Australian leader on the high profile advisory body despite previous calls to sack him over anti-green ties.