Germany’s bold plan to save forests and cut emissions with wood

Forests are under siege—but Germany’s new timber initiatives could turn the tide. Discover how wood is becoming the secret weapon against climate collapse.

, and Administrator

2026 January 17 . 7:30 PM

1 min read

The image shows a wooden bridge in the middle of a lush green forest, with a board attached to two... — The image shows a wooden bridge in the middle of a lush green forest, with a board attached to two wooden poles on either side. The board has text and pictures on it, and the ground is covered with grass and dried leaves. In the background, there are many trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Germany’s bold plan to save forests and cut emissions with wood

Forests face growing threats from climate change, but active management can make them more resilient. Two German ministers have stressed the need for better forestry practices to protect these vital ecosystems. Their statements came alongside new initiatives to increase wood use in construction, cutting carbon emissions in the process.

Ministers Silke Gorißen and Peter Hauk highlighted the importance of adapting forests to survive changing conditions. Gorißen described reforestation as a long-term task, requiring decades of effort. She also called for stronger forest resilience through mixed woodland, which better withstands droughts, pests, and storms.

Hauk added that sustainable timber harvesting and wood use help rejuvenate forests while reducing climate risks. Both ministers agreed that wood plays a key role in the shift away from fossil-based materials. It can replace energy-heavy alternatives, lowering CO₂ emissions in construction and industry.

To support this, Baden-Württemberg’s Timber Construction Initiative and North Rhine-Westphalia’s Building with Wood.NRW platform aim to promote wood as a building material. Gorißen noted that wood links climate protection, architectural quality, and economic growth. Forests also provide recreation, biodiversity, and renewable resources—all of which depend on careful management.

The push for climate-resilient forests includes both better management and greater wood use. New regional programmes will encourage timber in construction, cutting emissions from traditional materials. Officials see this as a practical step toward protecting forests while meeting climate goals.