Nearly a dozen environmental groups are calling on the federal government to expand its review of Canada’s forestry sector emissions due to concerns about underreporting. In an open letter signed by representatives from 11 environmental groups including Nature Canada, they argue that the current scope of the review fails to address how forestry emissions are estimated, thus undermining its credibility. This push for a broader review comes after the federal environment commissioner issued a report recommending an independent review to examine how emissions related to logging are estimated and reported.
The government’s response to the commissioner’s report acknowledged the importance of an independent review but noted that the science underlying its carbon reporting was peer-reviewed. However, environmental groups have long criticized the forestry sector’s emission reporting, particularly the practice of crediting the sector with emissions absorbed by trees that naturally regrow after wildfires. Michael Polanyi of Nature Canada pointed out that this practice lacks justification, as it is a natural process with no human intervention. A study published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers highlighted Canada’s reporting mechanism as an outlier among most industrialized nations, with the forestry sector contributing significantly to CO2 emissions while also being credited with absorbing CO2.
According to the study, Canada’s forestry sector contributed an average of about 91 million tonnes of CO2 per year between 2005 and 2021, comparable to the electricity and agriculture sectors. However, the federal government credited the sector with absorbing an average of 4.7 million tonnes of CO2 per year over the same period. This discrepancy has led to distorted policy solutions, as it portrays the forestry sector as a carbon sink and climate solution. Environmental groups argue that a more accurate assessment of forestry sector emissions is crucial for developing effective climate policies and strategies to address the overall impact of the sector on greenhouse gas emissions.
The call for an expanded review of forestry sector emissions reflects a growing concern about the accuracy and transparency of carbon reporting in Canada. By examining how emissions are estimated and reported, the government can address criticisms of underreporting and ensure that the forestry sector’s impact on greenhouse gas emissions is accurately assessed. This broader review could lead to more informed decision-making and policy development in addressing climate change and promoting sustainability in Canada’s forestry sector.
In response to the commissioner’s report and the push from environmental groups, the federal government may need to revisit its approach to reporting on forestry sector emissions. By incorporating a more comprehensive assessment that accounts for all sources of emissions and accurately reflects the sector’s contribution to Canada’s overall greenhouse gas emissions, the government can better align its climate policies with the country’s climate goals and international commitments. Ultimately, a robust and transparent review of forestry sector emissions could help strengthen Canada’s efforts to combat climate change and transition towards a more sustainable and low-carbon economy.
