The development of wood utilization in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries

Abstract

This article analyses world wood utilisation in the 19th and 20th centuries and looks at prospects for the 21st century. Statistics illustrating the part played by wood in the present world economy are presented: figures for fuelwood, roundwood and industrial roundwood are given, and comparisons made of roundwood consumption with other non-renewable resources and with renewable crops. Future prospects will be dominated by the increase in world population, and the conclusion to be drawn is that wood and forestry are bound to become increasingly important. More forests are imperative to sequester CO2 and to increase the world's wood supply. -V.J.Taverner