Forest and timber industry part of climate solutions at COP28

Queensland’s peak body for the forest and timber industry will be promoting the benefits of growing and expanding the sector and its supply chain into the built environment as part of global climate solutions next week at COP28.

Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens is attending the global climate talks in Dubai in the UAE as part of an industry delegation led by the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) alongside agricultural representatives including the National Farmers Federation (NFF).

“The timber industry can play a significant role in meeting net zero targets given its environmental credentials as a bio-based sector that can also deliver on many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through the production and consumption of renewable products,” said Mr Stephens.

“While most people are aware that trees can sequester and store large amounts of carbon, another key pathway for climate mitigation is the substitution of emissions intensive materials such as concrete and steel with timber in the built environment,” he said.

“Globally, the built environment accounts for around 40 per cent of emissions. The use of timber and engineered wood products in buildings and infrastructure can greatly reduce this impact through low emission alternatives with the added benefits of renewability through the replanting of harvested forests.

“For food production, integrating tree planting and the sustainable management of forests with grazing and farming systems such as agroforestry can help offset emissions while improving soil and water protection, shade and shelter for livestock, biodiversity and income diversification with wood products.”

“Timber Queensland will be participating in a number of key events at the Australian Government Pavilion which will be showcasing and discussing many of the opportunities for the forestry and agricultural sectors,” Mr Stephens said.

“We look forward to partnering with regulators, companies and other non-governmental organisations at COP28 on the policies and actions needed to accelerate these climate solution pathways.”

“Within Queensland we are already working with the state government on the development of a carbon positive roadmap for the Queensland forest and timber industry and are excited by the opportunities for mass timber systems to help deliver net zero outcomes for the infrastructure needed for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games,” Mr Stephens said.