Institute of Foresters of Australia Conference 2009

The exciting and topical theme chosen for the Conference is 'Forestry: a climate of change'.

The worldwide groundswell of public awareness that climate change is arguably the main issue facing the sustainability of life on earth has been rapid. In Australia, it became one of the major policy differences that influenced the desire for political change. Australian governments at all levels are increasingly focused on achieving large reductions in greenhouse emissions and, as a developed country of the Pacific Region, Australia is committed to assisting developing countries with the impacts of climate change.

Never has forestry been at such a crossroads. Whilst clearly part of the solution to future sustainable living, there is now a challenge to one of its core functions, the provision of solid wood products. Water, bioenergy, buried carbon reserves and biodiversity all have the potential to be dominant values in a carbon conscious world. This presents business opportunities for forestry and challenges the traditional economic and political frameworks for investment in forests and processing facilities. Variation in rainfall distribution and patterns, rising sea levels forcing the movement of communities and the effect of storms and cyclones on risk profiles of forestry will modify land use.

In a political environment that is moving rapidly to address previous inaction, the need for rigorous policy development by foresters and forest-based industries is critical to shaping public and government perception and action. We must provide for sustainable livelihoods from forests, and a rational inclusion of trees and forest products in carbon accounting and emissions trading schemes. We must also recognise how best to adapt forests to climate change and seize the opportunities that forestry can provide locally, nationally and internationally to mitigate the effects of global warming.

To do otherwise will mean that forestry, and forest industries, will be but a minor player in determining their future, in this climate of change…