The event in Brussels "Tackle climate change: use wood"

Enhancing the competitiveness of the European woodworking sector is an essential element in tackling climate change and assuring a green economic growth for the European Union.
This message was given to the visitors of the spectacular exhibition “Tackle Climate Change: Use Wood”, that took place in Brussels, at the European Parliament during the first week of December. Indeed, works and installations of renowned European artists using wood displayed in a specially conceived “wood garden”, and highlighted a selection of the best harvested wood products art can produce.
As part of the programme, sponsored by the Chairman of the Club du Bois of the European Parliament, Gaston Franco Mep, a workshop about the uses, availability and climate sequestration potential of wood was organised on 5 December. Serge de Gheldere, Belgium Climate Ambassador to the former Us Vice President Al Gore, and Prof. Udo Mantau, Head of Centre of Wood Science of the University of Hamburg took part in the debate and discussion providing scientific proves of the benefits related to increasing the pool of harvest wood products in everyday life. Mr. de Gheldere drew a clear picture of the role of harvested wood products in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He underlined how the European Union can achieve its ambitious environment targets simply enhancing the use of wood products and substituting, whenever possible, wood with other more energy-intensive construction materials. Prof. Mantau underlined the importance of respecting the life cycle of wood in order to prolong its carbon sequestration.