Circular wood use can accelerate global decarbonisation but requires cross-sectoral coordination

Abstract Productive forestry can deliver multifaceted climate-change mitigation benefits, including carbon sequestration and avoided emissions from fossil-fuel-derived product substitution. However, predominantly linear use of wood substantially limits the potential mitigation contribution of forestry value-chains. Using lifecycle assessment, we show that more circular and cascading use of wood can provide immediate and sustained climate change mitigation by reducing demand for virgin wood, increasing carbon sequestration and storage, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the clear benefits of implementing circular economy principles in forestry value-chains, we identify many functional barriers impeding the structural reorganisation needed for such complex system change. A mind-set shift towards knowledge sharing and collaboration is fundamental to transform the value-chain into an effective societal change system and lead to coherent action; with trade organisations performing important advocacy and organising functions, and governments driving wood flow transparency to reveal efficiency and resourcing opportunities.