Climate

One of the greatest threats to the health of our planet is climate change. Our nation’s forests, owned mostly by families and individuals, are a critical piece to fighting this serious threat. Around the world, forest ecosystems, both trees and soil, sequester about a quarter of all carbon pollution that contributes to climate change. In the United States, forests and forest products capture and store 12% of our carbon emissions, an amount that could grow up to 20% with better management practices.

Our Policy

AFF supports climate change policies that encourage long-term sustainable management of family forests for carbon storage and other environmental, economic, and social benefits. Climate change policies should allow both market and non-market opportunities for working family forests to contribute to emissions reductions through carbon capture and storage. These policies should give appropriate consideration to the benefits of emissions reductions resulting from forest products and renewable energy produced from sustainably managed forests.  Climate change policies should also help family forest owners mitigate the impacts of climate change on their forests.

The American Forest Foundation is working with partner organizations in the Forest Climate Working Group to establish solutions and recommendations for forests in a changing climate.

RECENT ACTIONS

• National Climate Adaptation Strategy
  AFF urges leaders to ensure that the strategy, while in its development phase, works for family forest owners.
• Wood Letter
  AFF and forestry organization sent a letter to Secreatry Tom Vilsack, congratulating him on his strategy to promote wood products in green building construction.
• USFS Program alignment letter
  AFF and other FCWG members wrote to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, suggesting climate change opportunities under USDA Forest Service programs.

As this National Climate Adaptation Strategy unfolds, the American Forest Foundation urges leaders to place significant focus on strategies to work with family forest owners to improve the resiliency and health of their forests. family-owned forests.  We know this Strategy is still in the development phase and we welcome the opportunity to work with you to identify specific approaches to work with family forest owners.

For more information please read the AFF Board approved policy brief.