#Canada #Ontario #carbon emissions #Boreal Forests #Tissue Production

The Consequences of Clearcutting Boreal Forests

A recent report by the Center for Sustainable Economy (CSE) brings to light the alarming effects of clearcutting boreal forests in Canada, particularly in Ontario, where over 32,000 acres have been devastated to produce pulp for toilet paper and paper towels. The findings reveal not only an environmental crisis but also significant economic repercussions associated with this process.

Every year, the clearcutting in Ontario emits an estimated 3.8 million tons of carbon pollution. To put that into perspective, this amount of carbon is equivalent to the emissions produced by more than 824,000 gas-powered passenger vehicles. The severity of these emissions raises urgent questions about the trade practices and environmental policies that allow such destruction of carbon-rich forests to continue.

Dr. John Talberth, President and Senior Economist of CSE, has stated that the current trade policies fail to account for the environmental costs of clearcutting. As this pollution generates over $560 million in economic damages annually—equal to approximately $1,715 for every ton of pulp exported to the U.S.—it becomes clear that the financial benefits of exporting pulp are completely outweighed by environmental harm.

The situation highlights a significant paradox. Canada's boreal forests, which once acted as crucial carbon sinks, are becoming sources of carbon emissions due to human activities and climate change. To combat this issue, the report calls for swift reforms in trade and environmental policies to eliminate subsidies that encourage the use of these carbon-rich forests for paper products. Moreover, it pushes for increased manufacturing of sustainable non-wood alternatives, such as hemp, bamboo, kenaf, and agricultural waste, much of which can be sourced from U.S. farmers.

A key recommendation from CSE is the implementation of Border Carbon Adjustments (BCAs). These proposed tariffs are included in bipartisan bills currently under consideration in the U.S. Congress, aimed at incentivizing American producers of goods that have a lower carbon footprint compared to imported alternatives. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Chris Coons (D-DE) have emphasized in their proposal that the PROVE IT Act would clarify the environmental consequences tied to emissions-intensive foreign products, making a strong case for domestic production that is more environmentally friendly.

CSE argues that the Canadian pulp used for toilet paper serves as an ideal case to test the efficacy of BCAs. According to Talberth, the economic impact of environmental damage justifies a significant tariff on these imports, thereby supporting U.S. non-wood paper producers who currently find themselves subsidized by the Canadian government’s policies.

The Environmental Paper Network (EPN), which has been advocating for over 350 international organizations, seeks to help manufacturers of sustainable products gain a larger market share against timber corporations that dominate the industry. Currently, these timber companies benefit from generous governmental subsidies across the spectrum, which includes lower tax rates, exemptions from tariffs, taxpayer funding for mills, and access to public lands for wood harvesting.

The analysis presented in the CSE report suggests that the greenhouse gas emissions from the Dryden mill’s operations—which clearcuts around 13,000 hectares of boreal forest each year for pulp production—far exceed the economic benefits the mill generates. Dr. Elizabeth Underwood, North American Director of EPN, highlighted the vast environmental implications of such clearcutting practices. She notes that companies focusing on sustainable alternatives, such as products made from hemp, bamboo, and recycled materials, are stepping up to the challenge of providing environmentally preferable choices in the marketplace.

With increasing scrutiny from both the U.S. and Canadian governments regarding subsidies and tariffs, this report sheds light on both the issues and the potential solutions. The hope is that leaders from both nations will utilize the scientific data to reform policies, aligning economic incentives with environmental protection and ethical considerations.

As the report emphasizes, immediate action is necessary to protect Canada’s invaluable boreal forests before they are lost forever. Those interested can access the full report here.