International Day of Forests 2017: Forests and Energy
In 1971, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) proclaimed the 21st of March as World Forestry Day. In 2012, the World Forestry Day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Day of Forests (IDF). The Day celebrates and raises awareness on the importance of forests and trees.
The theme for 2017 is Forests and Energy. Greek forests have been an important source of energy. Until the mid 20th century they were providing wood for various domestic uses but also for transportation (e.g. steam locomotives) or industry. Nowadays, thanks to the protection and the sustainable management, Greek forests were able to provide large fuelwood quantities to people facing financial difficulties due to the economic crisis. As FAO points the relation of forests and energy are going far beyond fuelwood production:
Nearly 40% of current global renewable energy supply comes from wood, which accounts for 50% of global wood production.
On a global scale, energy production from wood is a very important source of labor. Smart use of wood as a source of energy can further increase jobs, especially at rural areas, where job opportunities are more restricted.
Trees and urban parks reduce demand for energy in urban areas. Strategically placed trees, alleys and urban parks in urban areas can cool the air up to 80 C.
As a major carbon storage, forests hold huge and easy to be used energy. Under sustainable management, they can substantially contribute to an increase of renewable energy use.
Sustainable forest management is a key issue on meeting several Sustainable Development Goals agreed by UN. From the development of sustainably household and community woodlots in Africa for energy, to the efficient wood burning technology in Europe and North America, innovation and sustainable management are key policies for a sustainable future.