Decline or increase? The standing timber stock in Finland, 1800–1997

摘要: Abstract In western Europe, Finland is a country that has most recently cut down its large old-growth forests. the 18th century, nearly one-third of forests in southern half were real (>200 years). northern Finland, proportion was almost forested area. At present, percentage mere 0.1 and still good 10. It estimated only 2% original now remain temperate regions which are abundant with animal plant species. Most profound changes attributable to human activities. severe Finnish climate, utilisation timber been necessity, population growth further increased demand for used heating other domestic purposes. Clearing fields cultivation also reduced areas, while rise industry consumed increasing amounts timber. Concurrently, since there factors supported standing stock, it not self-evident volume constant decline. First, after Little Ice Age (1550–1850) average annual temperature risen period lengthened. Both these features have stimulated trees. Second, use space continued become more efficient economical. Third, significant feature firewood great extent replaced by energy sources. Consequently, economy steadily—at least parallel GDP. While felling decisively 19th attention paid forestry order guarantee sustainability. governmental forest policy actions private landowners aimed increase stock. However, took many years before achieved tangible results promoting growth. Only late 20th century unanimous agreement stock increasing, even today, researchers do agree on situation 1950s. This paper focuses examining relationship between consumption The key research question whether, during past two centuries, ever overused exceeded