To Zero Out Emissions, Chile Must Rethink Its Forestry Industry
The South American nation shows how much countries and companies are relying on planting trees to absorb their pollution.
Araucaria saplings found Temuco can grow over 100 feet tall. The evergreen species is designated the national tree of Chile.
Photographer: Martin Bernetti/AFP/Getty Images
Patricio Barria spends most days in the thick forests of southern Chile, weaving through narrow roads past pristine blue lakes. From time to time, he pulls over to examine the trees, checking their roots and trunks to make sure they’re growing healthily.
Barria, 53, owns and manages 110 hectares (270 acres) of native woods in the southern region of Los Rios. He runs a firewood business, and also works as a consultant for other landowners to make sure there’s a sustainable balance between growing new trees and cutting down old ones.