Forest carbon in Ontario

Researchers continue to improve their understanding and estimates of forest carbon. In general, given today’s management practices and harvest rates and moderate changes in climate, estimates show that Ontario’s managed forests should be a small carbon sink over the next century. When wood products are factored into carbon estimates, Ontario’s forests are expected to be a larger carbon sink.

Continued changes in climate will affect future forest carbon stocks. Researchers are working to understand the extent of the effects and to determine effective mitigation methods. As the scientific knowledge increases, forest managers will have a better understanding of how their management decisions affect forest carbon stocks.

What you can do to help

• Choose wood products over non-renewable or less energy efficient building materials.
• Plant trees to take up and store more carbon (remember to tend the trees to ensure they grow). 
• Promote tree health by protecting trees on your property from damage and replacing those that are declining.