A Future With Natural Wood

Synopsis

Bestselling Austrian author Dr. Erwin Thoma reveals a wealth of knowledge regarding trees, forests and wood.Through the illness of their sons, his family discovered that some modern building materials can cause serious health problems. On their quest to establish a healthy home environment, Erwin tried out his grandfather's traditional methods. He replaced all plywood and chipboard in their home with natural timber and the boys regained their health. In this, his first book translated into English, you will find interesting and amusing stories that reveal Erwin's wealth of knowledge regarding trees, forests and wood. Perhaps, for some readers, this book will contain more information than they imagined possible for such subjects. For others, this will be a welcome introduction to wood-related subjects and an inspiration for a future using natural wood. Written in a colloquial style, it offers an insight into his humble genius.

Summary

Chapter 1: Forests Are a Lifeline
A Future With Natural Wood is an exploration of humanity’s relationship with natural forests, and how it has changed over the years. The book begins by explaining how the natural forests provide a lifeline to humankind, sustaining our lives in a myriad of ways. In particular, the book explains the importance of wood as a resource, used for fuel, construction, and various other means. To illustrate this, the authors provide an example of a small village in the Netherlands, relying on natural wood from the woods around them to build their homes and to provide them with warmth and light throughout the winter. This example serves to highlight the crucial importance of natural forests for those who reside in such areas.

Chapter 2: Sustainability Through a Good Management of Natural Resources
The second chapter of A Future With Natural Wood focuses on the concept of sustainable management of natural resources. The authors discuss how a careful and responsible management of forestry can help ensure that forests are maintained and able to provide for the needs of all people, while also respecting their ecological importance. To demonstrate this concept, the authors detail the process of sustainable forest management employed by the Swedish forestry company Sveaskog. This process involves careful planning and monitoring of development, harvesting, and reforestation of the forests, allowing for continued productivity while also preserving the natural beauty and vitality of the forests.

Chapter 3: Impact of Deforestation

The third chapter of A Future With Natural Wood looks at the negative impacts of deforestation on both humans and the environment. The authors provide an example of the deforestation of the tropical rainforest in the Amazon, which has led to its degradation and destruction. They explain how this can cause serious negative impacts for those living in the area, as well as the proliferation of global climate change. Additionally, the authors describe the ways that deforestation can affect biodiversity loss, as well as the numerous other environmental detriments associated with it.

Chapter 4: Building a Sustainable Future

The final chapter of A Future With Natural Wood looks towards the future and outlines ways in which people can work towards building a more sustainable future. The authors provide an example of an Integrated Biodiversity Management Program in Laos, which works to conserve and sustainably use natural forests in the region. They explain how such a program can provide essential services to the local population as well as provide ways to sustainably harvest timber for needed items, while also preventing further climate change and environmental destruction. The authors also provide a host of other suggestions on how to build a more sustainable future with natural forests, such as increasing investment in better forestry practices, creating strong forestry laws, and supporting local communities.