Planetary Boundaries for Forests and Their National Exceedance.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Forestry Science
• Sustainable Development Studies

Background:

• Forest sustainability is a key Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 15).
• Defining planetary boundaries for global forests is essential for assessing pressure and ensuring sustainable management.
• Quantifying national and global forestry boundaries is critical for effective forest resource management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the global forestry planetary boundary (FPB).
• To assess national forestry boundaries and identify nations exceeding them.
• To analyze the drivers of exceeding national forestry boundaries and their implications for global forest management and policy.

Main Methods:

• Calculation of the global forestry planetary boundary (FPB) based on forest stock increments.
• Assessment of national forestry boundaries using timber harvest data.
• Analysis of global supply chains to identify demand drivers for timber harvests exceeding national boundaries.

Main Results:

• The global forestry planetary boundary (FPB) was determined to be 7.1 billion m³ of forest stock increments in 2015.
• Global timber harvests represented 58.7% of the FPB in 2015.
• Forty-seven nations, primarily in Africa and Asia, exceeded their national forestry boundaries, with demand driven by developed and emerging economies.

Conclusions:

• The FPB is a vital metric for global forest management and international trade policy.
• Exceeding national forestry boundaries highlights the need for sustainable harvesting practices and international cooperation.
• Findings provide guidance for global and national forest harvesting decisions to mitigate deforestation and promote sustainability.