The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization says that investing in sustainable forest management, sustainable forest management can not only address climate issues, but also offset job losses caused by the economic downturn, by creating ten million new green jobs. Forests and trees are vital storehouses of carbon, so such an investment could also make a major contribution to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
According to a recent study by the International Labour Organization, unemployment worldwide could increase from 179 million in 2007 to 198 million in 2009 under the best case scenario; under the worst case scenario, it could go as high as 230 million. Increased investment in forestry could provide jobs in forest management, agroforestry and farm forestry, improved fire management, development and management of trails and recreation sites, expansion of urban green spaces, restoring degraded forests and planting new ones. The United States, Korea, India and a few other countries have included forestry in their economic stimulus plans.
This was the focus of the World Forest Week and the FAO’s Committee on Forestry meeting that was held last month in March. It emphasized the critical role of forests in society’s response to the challenges posed by climate change.
If you are interested in exploring a career in forestry, the National Association of Professional Forestry Schools and Colleges has a list of forestry schools and programs across the United States. The Society of American Foresters web site is also a great starting point for exploring a career in forestry.