Question

The Boreal Forest is very important to Canada and Canadians in terms of both its market value and the non-market value or natural capital value. Which one do you feel is the most important and explain why?

Answer 1

Answer: The Boreal Forest is more important for its natural capital value.

Explanation: The forest helps to stabilize the land. It serves as habitat for many species which would fail to thrive or die out completely if the forest is harvested or converted to other uses.

The Boreal Forest serves to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere year round through photosynthesis, allbeit at a reduced rate during the shorter hours of daylight during the winter.

This is a most important consideration as the negative consequences of climate change could be devastating for not only Canada, but for the world.