To reduce carbon emissions, we need EVs and trees

Published 1:30 am Sunday, April 30, 2023

In response to a recent letter to the editor regarding reducing carbon dioxide emissions, the author has it wrong. It’s not an either/or situation. We need to use all the tools we have to fight climate change, such as EVs, forest conservation and in Snohomish County, adoption of Urban Tree Canopy policies as part of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update

We need to heed peer-reviewed science to better manage our forests for their highest potential without disrupting the timber industry. This includes allowing remaining mature forests to continue sucking up and storing carbon.

Forest conservation and ecological management are some of the most effective natural climate solutions and Western Washington has some of the best forests for carbon storage and sequestration. If these older forests are clear-cut as planned, over 31 million metric tons of carbon dicoide will be emitted in the course of harvest, transportation and manufacturing. Even counting the carbon in harvested wood products and assumed forest regrowth, excess emissions will remain in the atmosphere after 120 years!

On the other hand, leaving these carbon-dense, structurally complex forests standing will meet the one half of Washington’s 2030 carbon sequestration goals without lifting a finger. (“Creating Strategic Reserves to Protect Forest Carbon and Reduce Biodiversity Losses in the United States”).

Time is of the essence. Let’s be the generation that helps to reduce impacts of climate change for future generations.

Kate Lunceford

Bothell