Environmental FAQs

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Does logging have a longterm impact on biodiversity?

How can I be sure that the lumber I buy comes from a sustainably managed forest?

My son thinks steel is environmentally friendlier than wood because it’s recyclable, but I think wood is better because it grows back. Who’s right?

We hear a lot about tropical forests, but what can you tell me about the state of our own forests here in North America?

I’m designing a new home. Do you have any advice on building “green”?

Are there green building guidelines available for someone building or renovating a home?

I’ve heard that forestry can help reduce the threat of wildfires. How does that work?

You often say that trees are the answer. What’s the question?

For more information, go to Dr. Patrick Moore's Greenspirit website

Does logging have a longterm impact on biodiversity?

When people think of biodiversity they usually think of species diversity, which refers to the different animals, plants and insects in a given area. Harvesting, especially when most of the trees are removed, has a considerable impact on species diversity but only in the short term. Unless it’s converted for farmland or development, almost any forest will grow back to be as beautiful and diverse as the one it replaces. This has been demonstrated through the ages by the many forests around the world that have regenerated after disturbance, not only from logging but from fire, ice, wind, volcanic eruption and disease. With or without human intervention, forests are in a constant state of change—and different stages of forest growth appeal to different species. After a disturbance such as fire, a site will attract grasses, berries and grazing animals, which like open areas. As the forest grows, species come and go based on the environment they prefer. In the case of wildlife, this might include the mature, low elevation forests needed by deer and elk during winter or old growth forests with dead trees used by birds and hibernating bears. However, while a forest will grow back on its own, there is a link between sustainable forestry and biodiversity. Sustainability is governed by legislation and foresters are required to show how they will maintain habitat for a full range of wildlife species. They also have to ensure landscape diversity - which refers to the different types of ecosystem, such as wetlands or old growth forests. An important part of sustainable forest management is designing harvest patterns in such a way that forests of all ages and all types of ecosystem, are included on the landscape. Some environmentalists promote the idea that a forest cut is an ecosystem gone forever but, in fact, neither the biodiversity nor the spiritual quality of the original forest need be lost as the new forest grows. I think that a sensible environmentalist understands that the process of renewal occurs over many years and chooses to see a recently harvested site for what it is - a moment in time.