Forestry in northern Sweden is a social force that connects the economy, climate and welfare, says Ulf Larsson, President and CEO of SCA. The two reports that SCA released during the year clearly show the crucial importance of forests and forestry for the four northernmost counties \u2013 and thus for all of Sweden, he adds.<\/p>\n
There are two main tracks here: the economic benefit and the climate benefit. Together, they provide a picture of an industry that is not only fundamental to Norrland's development, but also to the country's opportunities for a profitable transition to a sustainable society, Larsson says.<\/p>\n
The economic benefits are significant. The forestry industry in Norrbotten, V\u00e4sterbotten, J\u00e4mtland and V\u00e4sternorrland creates an annual contribution of over 50 billion kronor to the regional economy. Almost half of this is in spillover effects to other industries. This means that it is not just about sawmills and pulp industries, but about thousands of companies that live on the dynamics of the forest: transport, service, innovation and technology. Together, this corresponds to tens of thousands of jobs and billions in tax revenue that finance healthcare, schools and social care, he adds.<\/p>\n
At the same time, the climate benefit is\u00a0striking. The forests in the four northernmost counties contribute a climate benefit that is equivalent to the total greenhouse gas emissions of all of Sweden. Growth in the forest exceeds harvesting by a wide margin, which means that the timber supply continues to increase at the same time as the products we use replace fossil alternatives. Houses built of wood, biofuels in district heating, bio-based packaging instead of plastic \u2013 all of these are concrete examples of how northern Sweden contributes to the global climate fight, Larsson notes.<\/p>\n
But the managed forest is also a strategic natural resource. It gives Sweden self-sufficiency in a renewable raw material that reduces our dependence on imported materials and energy. At a time when international relations are uncertain and several states do not necessarily wish Sweden well, the forest is an asset that strengthens our independence and our ability to stand on our own two feet, he says.<\/p>\n
Overall, this makes\u00a0it of utmost importance that Sweden is able to utilize the advantages of forestry to further enhance the benefits. Every percent larger bioeconomy can directly provide positive economic development in our rural areas, contribute to climate work through more renewable choices for consumers and promote Europe's self-sufficiency, Larsson explains.<\/p>\n
Here, Sweden can take steps in the right direction by pragmatically allowing the ongoing forest investigation to open up for a more offensive forestry policy, while also implementing the adjustments to the most obvious shortcomings and downsides of species protection that are currently in place. In parallel with this, it would be desirable for Sweden to act for a revision of the EU's LULUCF regulation so that renewable export products from the forest are attributed the climate benefit that is actually created, he adds.<\/p>\n
Today, around 25 percent of Swedish forests \u2013 and slightly more in northern Sweden \u2013 are exempt from use, through nature reserves, voluntary set-aside and low-productivity land. Here, biodiversity exists side by side with modern, active forestry that takes responsibility for both natural and cultural values. This is a generous level, but it also requires that the part of the forest that is not exempt from forestry be allowed to be used actively and efficiently to maximize social benefits. The reports show that the forest in northern Sweden is not a contradiction between economy and ecology, Larsson notes.<\/p>\n
On the contrary: it is a\u00a0prerequisite for both. When the forestry industry develops, it strengthens both community services, climate work and faith in the future throughout the region. It binds people to the countryside and opens up opportunities for future generations, he adds.<\/p>\n
If we are serious about ensuring that all of Sweden lives, and that the climate challenge is met with realistic solutions, we must understand and protect the role of forests. The four northernmost counties bear a great responsibility and contribute with economically viable solutions to the transition. Forestry is not a problem to be managed \u2013 it is part of the answer to one of the toughest challenges of our time. Therefore, Sweden should work for a larger bioeconomy and more active forestry in Norrland, the country as a whole and in the rest of the EU, Larsson concludes.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Forestry in northern Sweden is a social force that connects the economy, climate and welfare, says Ulf Larsson, President and CEO of SCA. The two reports that SCA released during the year clearly show the crucial importance of forests and … Continue reading