Environmentalists raise concerns spraying forests with glyphosate makes them more vulnerable to wildfires – CBC

 

Report on Glyphosate Use in Northeastern Ontario Forestry and its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

The practice of spraying glyphosate on Crown land in northeastern Ontario by forestry companies has generated significant debate among First Nations, municipalities, and environmental organizations. This report analyzes the conflict between current industrial forestry methods and the principles of sustainable development, with a specific focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The use of herbicides to promote commercially valuable coniferous monocultures raises critical concerns regarding biodiversity, climate resilience, and responsible production, directly challenging the objectives of SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Analysis of Forestry Practices in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

Industrial Forestry Practices and SDG 12: Responsible Production

Current forestry management involves the aerial spraying of herbicides, primarily glyphosate, to eliminate broadleaf vegetation. This practice is intended to accelerate the growth of commercially harvested coniferous trees, such as spruce and pine. According to Chris Edge, a research scientist with the Canadian Forestry Service, this method is applied a few years after clear-cutting to reduce competition and produce higher quality wood, aligning with economic objectives related to production. However, this approach is being scrutinized for its failure to integrate broader environmental and social considerations, a key component of SDG 12, which calls for sustainable production patterns.

Impact on Biodiversity and SDG 15: Life on Land

Environmental groups, including Friends of the Earth Canada, argue that glyphosate spraying significantly reduces biodiversity by eliminating understory species and broadleaf trees. This practice directly contravenes the core targets of SDG 15, which aims to halt biodiversity loss and promote the sustainable management of forests.

• John Bennett of Friends of the Earth Canada noted that killing off the base of the forest creates “a whole bunch of kindling for the next fire.”
• The Crown Forest Sustainability Act mandates the conservation of “large, healthy, diverse and productive Crown forests,” yet the creation of monocultures through herbicide use appears to conflict with the goal of maintaining biological diversity.
• Professor Cindy Prescott from the University of British Columbia advocates for a shift away from an “industrial agriculture approach” towards one that considers the entire ecosystem, which is fundamental to achieving SDG 15.

Wildfire Risk, Forest Resilience, and SDG 13: Climate Action

The reduction of deciduous trees like aspen in favour of highly flammable, resinous softwoods increases forest vulnerability to wildfires. This heightened risk undermines efforts related to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by threatening forest carbon sinks and endangering nearby communities.

1. Wildland fire ecologist Bob Gray explained that large, contiguous areas of conifer forest are prone to large, continuous forest fires.
2. While climate change is identified as the primary driver of longer and more intense fire seasons, forest management practices that reduce natural resilience exacerbate the problem.
3. Promoting mixed-wood forests that include fire-resilient species like aspen is a critical climate adaptation strategy that is hindered by current herbicide use.

Governance and Stakeholder Engagement: A Path Towards SDG 16

The growing calls for a moratorium or complete ban on glyphosate spraying from First Nations and municipalities in northeastern Ontario highlight a need for more inclusive and just governance structures, as envisioned in SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The province of Quebec, which banned the use of such herbicides on its Crown land forests in 2001, provides a precedent for alternative management policies. The cancellation of a planned spray by the company Interfor, despite its stated confidence in the practice, indicates the growing influence of public and community pressure on corporate decision-making.

Recommendations for Aligning Forestry with SDGs

Adopting an Ecosystem-Based Management Approach

A fundamental shift in forest management philosophy is required to align with the SDGs. Professor Cindy Prescott suggests a new paradigm that moves beyond simple glyphosate replacement to a holistic consideration of ecosystem health and social needs. This involves more intensive, on-the-ground management to determine which trees to harvest and which to preserve, fostering a truly sustainable and diverse forest landscape in line with SDG 15.

Policy and Management Actions

To better achieve sustainable development outcomes, the following actions should be considered:

• Phase-out Herbicides: Develop a plan to phase out the use of glyphosate on Crown lands, following the precedent set by Quebec, to protect biodiversity (SDG 15).
• Promote Mixed-Wood Forests: Revise silvicultural standards to encourage the growth of mixed-wood forests that include deciduous species, enhancing natural resilience to wildfires and climate change impacts (SDG 13).
• Strengthen Governance: Ensure that forestry management planning incorporates meaningful consultation with First Nations and local municipalities, respecting their rights and knowledge in land stewardship (SDG 16).
• Invest in Alternatives: Support research and implementation of alternative forest management techniques that maintain ecological integrity while supporting the forest economy (SDG 8 and SDG 12).

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 15: Life on Land

• The article’s central theme is the impact of forestry practices, specifically glyphosate spraying, on terrestrial ecosystems. It directly addresses the conservation and sustainable use of forests, the effects on biodiversity, and the overall health of forest ecosystems, which are core components of SDG 15. The mention of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act, which mandates the conservation of “diverse and productive Crown forests,” reinforces this connection.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• The article connects forestry practices to climate-related hazards. It explains how reducing biodiversity by killing off deciduous trees creates conifer-dominant forests that are more vulnerable and less resilient to wildfires. The text explicitly states that climate change is the main reason wildfires are more common, thus linking a local land management practice to the broader issue of resilience to climate-related disasters.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The increased risk of wildfires resulting from the forestry practices discussed poses a direct threat to human settlements. The article notes that municipalities in northeastern Ontario are calling for a ban on glyphosate spraying, highlighting the concern of local communities regarding their safety and the sustainability of their surrounding environment. This connects to making communities safer and more resilient to natural disasters like wildfires.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• The article examines the production methods of the forestry industry. The practice of spraying herbicides is aimed at producing “higher quality wood in the long term” by eliminating competition for commercially valuable trees. This raises questions about whether this production pattern is sustainable, especially when considering its ecological side effects, such as biodiversity loss and increased fire risk. The call for a “different way of thinking” about forest management aligns with the goal of achieving sustainable management of natural resources.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests… The entire article is a debate on what constitutes “sustainable use” of forests, with glyphosate spraying presented as a practice that may undermine conservation goals.
• Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests… The article contrasts the industry’s view of herbicide use as part of “responsible and sustainable forestry management” with concerns from environmental groups and academics who advocate for a more holistic, ecosystem-based approach.
• Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity… The concern raised by Friends of the Earth Canada that the practice “reduces biodiversity” by killing off broadleaf vegetation and understory species directly relates to this target.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. The article argues that creating conifer monocultures makes forests less resilient to wildfires, a climate-related hazard that is becoming more frequent due to climate change. Promoting mixed-wood forests with more fire-resilient deciduous trees would strengthen this resilience.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses… caused by disasters… The discussion about increasing wildfire risk directly relates to protecting communities from natural disasters. The calls from municipalities for a ban reflect an effort to reduce their vulnerability to such events.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. The article questions whether the current forestry practice, which prioritizes the efficient growth of commercial softwoods through herbicide use, constitutes sustainable management of the forest as a natural resource, given its negative ecological consequences.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Area of forest sprayed with herbicides: The article explicitly mentions that “forestry companies spray thousands of hectares of Crown land with herbicides.” Tracking this area over time would be a direct indicator of the scale of this practice.
• Forest biodiversity levels: This is an implied indicator. The article states that spraying is “designed to kill broadleaf vegetation” and that environmental groups worry it “reduces biodiversity.” Measuring the diversity of plant species in sprayed versus unsprayed areas would quantify this impact.
• Forest composition: The article implies this indicator by contrasting “leafy deciduous trees, like aspen” with “softwood conifers like pine and spruce.” An indicator could be the ratio of deciduous to coniferous trees in managed forests, as the practice aims to create “large contiguous areas of conifer forest.”
• Incidence and scale of wildfires: This is an implied indicator. The article links the creation of conifer-dominant forests to making an area “more prone to wildfires.” Monitoring the frequency, size, and intensity of wildfires in relation to different forest management practices would measure this risk.
• Number of jurisdictions with bans or moratoria on herbicide use: The article provides concrete examples that can be tracked. It states that Quebec has banned the practice since 2001 and that “a number of First Nations and municipalities in northeastern Ontario have also called for a full ban.” This serves as an indicator of policy change and social response.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 15: Life on Land	15.1: Ensure conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, particularly forests. 15.2: Promote sustainable management of all types of forests. 15.5: Halt the loss of biodiversity and reduce degradation of natural habitats.	Area of forest sprayed with herbicides (e.g., “thousands of hectares”). Forest biodiversity levels (implied by the killing of “broadleaf vegetation”). Forest composition (ratio of deciduous to coniferous trees).
SDG 13: Climate Action	13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.	Incidence and scale of wildfires in managed forest areas.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.5: Reduce the number of people affected by disasters.	Number of jurisdictions (municipalities, First Nations) calling for or implementing bans on herbicide spraying.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production	12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.	Adoption of alternative, ecosystem-based forest management practices.

Source: cbc.ca