The green scene.

Environmental alarmism is not new. Back in the 1960s, some scientists predicted that the global environment would collapse within 30 years due to massive air and water pollution. It didn't. In the 1980s, some experts predicted that we would soon run out of landfills. We didn't. So when a new report came out a few weeks ago with the headline, "Earth near breaking point," I was skeptical. But as I read on, some of the dramatic predictions seemed all too possible.

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The study stated that humans are damaging the planet at an unprecedented rate and raising risks that could aggravate the spread of disease, deforestation, and "dead zones" in the seas. The study was sponsored by the United Nations and the World Bank and prepared by 1360 experts in 95 nations. It suggests that a rising population has polluted or overexploited two-thirds of life-sustaining ecological systems in the past 50 years. Moreover, the next 50 years could be "significantly worse," the study said. In 100 years, global warming, caused by the massive use of fossil fuels, could magnify the potential damage (see www.millenniumassessment.org).

Now that's a lot of bad news. Over the years, a growing number of scientists, using complex mathematical models, have postulated theories that global warming is changing our environment. I have been skeptical of these claims in the past, but several things have changed that make it more likely. One is the vast economic growth in China and now India that threatens to chew up massive quantities of oil and coal reserves. Another is the consequence of rapid population growth. People burning wood for fuel and to clear land for agriculture is leading to massive deforestation in many regions. While many have scoffed at the concept of global warming, it is not hard to believe that burning--in less than 200 years--vast amounts of the fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) that took millions of years to create may have some unforeseen consequences.

So, what does this mean for the paper industry? Surprisingly, it may help save us. Sustainably managed forests are one of the Earth's truly long term resources, and if we can find better ways to extract "green" energy from them in addition to making pulp and paper, we may be able to guarantee our future. Also, paper products made from recycled paper and sustainably managed forests may become "the gold standard" for consumers.

For example, while attending AF&PA's Paper Week in New York this past April, I was astonished to see representatives from the Rainforest Alliance, the World Wildlife Fund, and Forest Ethics at a press conference endorsing Domtar's new EarthChoice[R] designation for 13 of its communications papers (coated and uncoated). These papers are made from recycled fiber and wood fiber from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests in Canada and the United States. Earlier at Paper Week, there were concerns that environmental groups would stage a protest at Paper Week--little did we know that they would end up on a stage with Raymond Royer, president and CEO of Domtar!

Another speaker at Paper Week--Graham Houlder, global packaging coordinator-foods for Unilever Best Foods--suggested that paperboard packaging could become much more competitive and desirable by adopting Domtar's strategy. By sourcing fiber from sustainable sources (including using virgin fiber from certified sustainable forests and recycled fiber), using green energy in processing, and returning process water in as good or better condition to rivers and lakes, paperboard manufacturers could be seen by the public as producers of a sustainable, environmentally preferable product. Instead of losing share to plastics--made from an unsustainable raw material--paperboard may be able to gain back some share as a result, he said.

Also, forest products companies are likely to play a key role in implementing global environmental pacts like the Kyoto Protocol, as Reid Miner of NCASI explains in his excellent article in this issue (see page 27).

The forest products industry is in a unique position to help the environment and do good for its shareholders in the process. As I suggested in last month's column, a massive reforestation campaign, perhaps led by the forest products industry, could help capture the massive amounts of carbon dioxide escaping into the atmosphere. Sustainable energy--like that locked up in forests--will undoubtedly be essential for creating a sustainable future for the world's citizens. In the next 50 years, we will have an opportunity to transform our industry--and transform the world as well.

ALAN ROOKS

Editorial Director

Contact Alan at [phone], or by e-mail at: [e-mail]