Myth: “Planted Forests Are Bad For The Environment”

Forests are an extremely important part of the environment. Well-managed sustainable forests give multiple benefits to society, such as livelihoods, ecosystem services and biodiversity, while helping to tackle climate change. To ensure the long-term health of European forests, sustainable forest management underpins how the paper industry operates and sources its main raw material.

Forests are one of the world’s most valuable resources and home to more than half the world’s land-based animal and plant species.¹

Over the past four decades they have moderated global warming by absorbing about one-third of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities. Carbon sequestration in forests reduces the rate of carbon accumulation in the atmosphere and so reduces the rate of climate change.²

About 42 million people (1.2% of global employment) are estimated to work in the forest sector. They are vital for the
conservation of biodiversity, energy supply, and soil and water protection.

FAO, New research provides updates estimates on global forest-sector employment, 2026

It is a common misconception that European forests are shrinking. They are growing by the equivalent of 1,250 football pitches every day.³

A number of schemes exist to ensure forests are sustainably managed. The two most recognised are the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Both schemes have similar objectives: the promotion of sustainable forest management through accredited third-party certification, ensuring that the productive potential and the natural habitats of plants and animals are maintained and enhanced, and that the rights of forestry workers and local communities are respected and protected. Both operate robust chain of custody schemes that track wood and wood fibre through every step of the supply chain, from the forest to the end-user. European forests act as a major carbon sink.

In 2024, around 117.5 million hectares, 51% of the forest area in Europe, was certified.

Forest Europe, State of Europe’s Forests, 2025

Between 2010 and 2025, the average annual
sequestration of carbon in forest biomass reached 106 million tonnes in the European region.⁴ In the EU, carbon sequestration from forests equates to around 6% of gross greenhouse gas emissions.⁵

European forests have become more diverse in tree species composition. Almost 70% of forest area is composed of two or more tree species, while 30% of forest area contains a single tree species, which are mainly coniferous.⁴

Europe’s Common Forest Bird Index has remained relatively stable over the long term and has increased by 3% since 2020. This indicates the overall stability of the forest environment and biodiversity.

Forest Europe, State of Europe’s Forests, 2025