Global Environment Note #03
“Note on Global Environment from Hokkaido” is a special series that will send you a report of Environment of the world, Japan and Hokkaido NOW, and give you hints to begin Eco-friendly life Now, to reduce the GHG (Green House Gas) by 6%, in order to avoid the global warming.The key for the 3rd series is “5.54 million hectares”. Among
the rich nature in Hokkaido, forests cover an area of about 5.54 million hectares (in April 2006). Green forests not only provide us a place to relax, but also function as our important partner in preventing global warming. Recently, their function and importance have been recognized afresh. Let us reconsider the relationship between forests and humans by reviewing this “Global Environmental Note”.How wide is 5.54 million hectares?
Equivalent to 3,831,258 Sapporo Domes!!
The total forest area in Hokkaido is about 5.54 million hectares. Such a big number may not click in your mind, but imagine it is equivalent to about 3,831,258 Sapporo Domes (with an area of 14,460 m2). Those who have been to see a baseball game in the Dome may be able to picture how big it is.1hectare of forest for a person in Hokkaido
The forest area of 5.54 million hectares equals to about 71% of the total land area in Hokkaido. Besides the large coverage area, another characteristic of the forests in Hokkaido is that they have high percentage of natural forest, occupying about one fourth ofthe total natural forest area in Japan. With about 5.6 million people living in Hokkaido (in 2007 June), it is calculated that the forest area per person is about 1hectare. The figure is about 5 times that of the national average, showing the richness of nature in Hokkaido.
How much CO2 can the 5.54 million hectare forest absorb?
Forests absorbs and stores the atmospheric CO2
Forests play an important role in preventing global warming by absorbing and storing CO2 through the process of photosynthesis. Under the Kyoto Protocol, Japan has promised a 6% reduction of greenhouse gas emission from the 1990 emissions level. Among the 6% , 3.9% is estimated to be achieved through “forest sink” activities, indicating the importance of the forest function.Calculating from the 50 years old Todo-fir
A person in Hokkaido is estimated to emit about 3.56 t of CO2 per year. In order to absorb that amount of CO2 within a year, it requires about 1.2 hectares of 50 years old Todo-fir (Abies sachalinensis) field. If we estimate all the trees in Hokkaido to be “50 years old Todo-fir”, the 5.54 million hectares forest area is calculated to absorb about 16435000 tons of CO2 per year. In reality; however, the figure differs depending on age and types of trees.
Is the global forest cover increasing or decreasing?
7.3 million hectares of forest vanishes in a year.
According to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global forest cover has been lost at a rate of 7.3 million hectares per year since the beginning of 21st century. Considering the fact that the land area of Hokkaido is about 7.8 million hectares, it can be said that an area of forest near the size of Hokkaido is being lost every year. The loss of forest is especially serious in Africa and South America, where the conversion of forest to farmland is taking place at an alarmingly high rate. At this very moment, the world’s forests are at stake.
For the protection of the precious nature
Global actions have been taking place to slow down the high rate of deforestation. In the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit held in September 2007, the Sydney Declaration called for APEC members to cover an additional 20 million hectares of regional land with forests by the year 2020. 20 million hectares of forest is about the size of Honshu island. In order to achieve the goal, every one of us living on the earth should cooperate together.
Let us plant trees to prevent global warming!
What is “The Billion Tree Campaign”?
Now, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is promoting the Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign, backed by the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai. The project aims to plant at least one billion trees worldwide until the end of 2007. Nations, companies, civil societies, and individuals are making cooperative efforts to protect the future of the Earth through the expanding worldwide ties.
Let’s participate in the campaign.
You can easily participate in the campaign. Those who are planning to plant trees during 2007 can participate?you can start with anything from individual/organization, or a single tree/several million trees. In order to prevent global warming, and for the future of the earth, let us plant trees in our home, Hokkaido.
News from the Campaign
http://www.rinya.maff.go.jp/seisaku/sesakusyoukai/billiontree/billiontree-top.html