Business View Magazine l November 2022

22 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11 “Newly added to our suite of advocacy products are information bulletins, where readers can get a quick snapshot on ‘hot topics’ in the forest sector such as wildfire smoke, watersheds, clearcutting, old growth, caribou, as well as pieces clarifying misconceptions about deforestation and forest carbon quantification and accounting,” Pearson says. Innovation thrives as the forest sector continues to rise to the challenge brought on by climate change. The sector is at the forefront of making buildings more sustainable, energy efficient, and resilient. Building with wood has a lower carbon footprint and captures carbon during construction. Additionally, wood is highly versatile and reusable which helps limit waste. Since wood is a natural insulator, wood buildings are able to use less energy for heating and cooling. Bioproducts are another example of how forestry is at the leading edge of innovation and environmental solutions. Wood-fibre residues and by-products from manufacturing are being utilized to make biochemicals, biomaterials, and bioenergy. From biofuels being used to provide energy in remote communities to wood fibre- based bioplastics replacing single-use plastic bags, advances in forestry are creating a more sustainable world. According to Pearson, “The innovation we are seeing in forestry is creating economic opportunities and supporting communities across Canada, while also providing sound solutions in the fight against climate change.” In collaboration with stakeholders, the CIF- IFC has demonstrated a successful Open Urban Forests pilot project proposal intended to establish the first national view of urban forestry geospatial data in Canada. This project is ground-breaking not only for its scope, but for ensuring this data is easily findable, discoverable, and interoperable. Canadian forests are sustainable, productive, and prosperous.” One of the core mandates of the CIF-IFC is to provide national leadership in forestry, including advocacy and outreach. As the voice of forest practitioners, the CIF-IFC speaks up for the world-class sustainable forest management practices found in Canada and educates the value of forests as a renewable resource. Pearson notes, “Trees not only sequester carbon; they help clean water and reduce erosion to prevent floods. Planting the right tree, in the right location, and for the right reasons will help mitigate and adapt to climate change.”