A study released by the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) earlier this month points to what it says is “an opportunity for tropical timber producers” arising out the likely doubling of global resource use by 2050. The study forecasts that tropical industrial round wood production will increase substantially by mid-century though it adds that the sector will require a boost if it is to maximise its contribution to carbon-neutral timber production.
The study, titled “Tropical Timber 2050: an Analysis of the Future Supply of and Demand for Tropical Timber and its Contributions to a Sustainable Economy” uses the Global Forest Product Model and data to provide projections to 2050 for tropical timber supply and demand and trends in tropical timber resources, products and industries. Ominously, however, it adds that without political action and the necessary industrial development, material use will increase in non-renewable segments, leading to an exceeding of planetary boundaries and increasing pollution externalities.