Sustainability Of Deforestation In Canada

It is clear that Canada has become a model for the world in the forest industry. Forestry supports both the country’s environment and economy. About nine hundred and twenty thousand people depend on the forest industry for work, which is six percent of Canada’s workforce . Forestry also contributes 1.25% to Canada’s gross domestic product . Thus, it should be no surprise that Canada has the world’s largest forest product trade balance of around $19.3 billion . Laws and regulations provided by the Canadian government help protect forests and environments alike. Third-party auditors have certified companies and their practices. Yet, this is not enough. Deforestation is becoming a more pressing issue as the need for the products from forests are

The reason behind degradation is simple. Forests are too often seen as a burden for landowners and farmers. Forests all over the world have been entirely demolished through processes known as “clear-cutting” and “slash and burn agriculture” . A process such as clear-cutting clears a large amount of trees quickly, an economically beneficial method. Consequently, clear-cutting also destroy entire environments in the same, quick, time. Slash and burn agriculture occurs when small farmers burn small areas of trees for additional growing space. No matter the size, outright destruction is detrimental to forests and the forestry industry. Clearly, sustainability is not any company’s first priority. It’s no secret that companies value the short-term income and other economic or political benefits over any environmental concerns. Such a mentality cannot be accepted. Too often, regeneration of the ecosystem after destructive methods of cutting is managed poorly. The soils that were once nutrient rich and supported trees dry out and become deserted without adequate shade and an organized ecosystem. The forest industry is indisputably unsustainable with the impractical harvesting methods. Forestry will not be able to continue without the regeneration of new

However, there are still opportunities for improvement. The public must express their opinions to the government. The government must enforce regulations and policies surrounding the forest industry. Companies must realize the economic benefits of sustainable management, and the environmental concerns of their current practices. With an increasing demand for forestry, Canada, as the world leader in forest product trade, should strive to become a better model in the industry. As a changing industry, forestry can be sustainably managed with minimal impacts. Canada’s forest industry should become economically and environmentally improved, not valued for only one of its beneficial aspects. Forestry is after all, at the heart of both Canada’s environment and