A tree-killing bug is contributing massively to Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by destroying lodgepole pine forests in British Columbia.
The Canadian Forest Services (CFS) reports that the destruction of the lodgepole pine forest by the Mountain Pine beetle in British Columbia will add 990 million tonnes of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by the time the infestations ends.
It is estimated the infestation will kill more than 80 percent of BC's lodgepole pine forests.
The lead author of the CFS study estimates emissions from the destruction of the trees will be five times that from all the cars, trucks, trains and planes in Canada annually.
And instead of being vast carbon sink, BC's forests are now becoming a net source as the dead trees release carbon dioxide as they rot and burn.
The naturally occurring Mountain Pine beetle is normally kept in check by severe winter temperatures. However, milder winters have allowed it to spread unchecked over a wide range in the province and also into parts of neighbouring Alberta.
The potential for creating cellulose biofuels from the dead forests is being explored.
British Columbia premier, Gordon Campbell, has promised $129 million in financial support for the province's beleaguered forestry industry.
The money is earmarked to assist towns solely dependent on forestry.
The current downturn in the industry is attributed to market volatility and the slowdown in the US economy. |
