S1E1 - How Could We? Substitute fossil-based products with wood

We launched a podcast to shine a light on climate crisis solutions making a real difference. Our first series focuses on land use, sustainable forestry, and the dilemma of using trees for timber.

Forests are an essential ally in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. They function as carbon sinks and help reduce the impacts of climate change. Unfortunately, forests suffer from many different pressures, including climate change and inactive forest management. With the current climate and cost-of-living crisis, it is more important than ever to take care of our public lands and use the tools available to help adapt to changing conditions.

But there is an inherent issue: by using trees to create forest products, aren’t we contributing further to the climate breakdown?

To answer this difficult question we talk to Daniel Zimmer, Director of Sustainable Land Use at EIT Climate-KIC. Daniel works on the Climate Smart Forest Economy Programme, a collaborative initiative from EIT Climate-KIC, the World Economic Forum, and the World Resources Institute. The programme looks at how to use wood and other forest products to substitute fossil fuel-based products while preserving forests’ carbon sink function, protecting biodiversity and support the creation of jobs.

This episode was presented by Anne-Sophie Garrigou and produced by Bárbara Mendes-Jorge.

Listen to other episodes in our Sustainable Forestry series in Season 1.

Subscribe to How Could We? for Season 2 coming in May 2023.

EIT Climate-KIC is Europe’s leading climate innovation initiative, aiming to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon, climate-resilient society by supporting innovative solutions helping society mitigate and adapt to climate change.

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