Planetary Boundaries for Forests and Their National Exceedance

Abstract

Achieving forest sustainability is a declared sustainable development goal (SDG 15). Measuring the safe operating spaceplanetary boundariesof global forests is essential to determine global forest pressure and manage forests sustainably. Here, we quantify the forestry planetary boundary (FPB) and national forestry boundaries. Results show that, in 2015, the FPB was 7.1 billion m 3 of forest stock increments. Global timber harvests account for 58.7% of the FPB. Timber harvests of 47 nations, mostly in Africa and Asia, have exceeded their national forestry boundaries. Their boundary-exceeding timber harvest is mainly driven by the final demand of developed nations (e.g., the United States and Japan) and emerging economies (e.g., India and China) through global supply chains. This study highlights the importance of the FPB in global forest management and trade-related policymaking. The findings can guide global and national forest harvesting activities and help promote international cooperation to mitigate global deforestation.

Consumption in Non-Pastoral Regions Drove Three-Quarters of Forage–Livestock Conflicts in China

“…The consumption viewpoint, which attributes the environmental impacts to final consumers, can support demand-side measures (e.g., the optimization of consumption behaviors) which can complement production-side measures . There are growing studies investigating the environmental impacts from the consumption perspective, such as carbon emissions, , pollutant emissions, , deforestation, − and soil erosion . The booming population and economies boost the demand for livestock products (e.g., beef, milk, and wool) in China, particularly in urban regions .…”

Evaluation of Wood Anatomical Properties from 18 Tree Species in the Subtropical Region of China

“…Wood is an essential and renewable natural material crucial for economic development and human life. However, with improvements in living standards, the market supply of bulk wood is insufficient to meet human needs [1]. Known for their exceptional qualities, such as high hardness, deep color, and beautiful texture, precious woods are highly favored by people and are primarily used for high-end furniture, decoration, and wooden crafts [2].…”

“…Since 1998, China has implemented natural forest protection projects that have substantially reduced the production of precious wood and large-diameter timber. To meet this demand, China relies heavily on the importation of highend precious wood from Southeast Asia and South Africa [1,6]. However, these countries have strengthened their ecological protection, resulting in restrictions on international timber exports [4,6].…”