Schemes that certify wood or paper as sustainable are doing little to stem the loss of forests globally, a study finds. Read more on E360 →
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Yale Environment 360
Sustainable Wood Schemes Failing to Slow Deforestation
Abatify Summary
Nature & Climate Perspective
**The failure of voluntary wood certification schemes undermines LULUCF carbon sinks and exacerbates biodiversity loss by failing to prevent habitat fragmentation. **
- Inadequate certification criteria allow for the degradation of high-conservation value (HCV) areas, leading to irreversible loss of niche biodiversity.
- Carbon sequestration potentials are significantly compromised when 'sustainable' logging cycles do not allow for the recovery of soil organic carbon and biomass density.
- The replacement of primary forests with secondary monoculture plantations reduces long-term ecological stability and increases vulnerability to pests and climate-driven wildfires.
Market & Policy Outlook
**Certification inadequacy necessitates a shift toward the ICVCM Core Carbon Principles (CCPs) to ensure additionality and prevent systemic market greenwashing. **
- Current certification failures signal a transition toward mandatory regulatory frameworks like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to replace ineffective voluntary standards.
- The lack of robust additionality in these schemes risks the integrity of Article 6.4 mechanisms, potentially creating 'junk' credits that depress global carbon pricing.
- Corporations relying on these schemes for Scope 3 supply chain claims face heightened litigation risk and non-compliance with SBTi Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) guidance.
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