Tracing biodiversity impacts of global wood consumption and harvesting through integrated supply-chain modelling

Global wood harvesting exerts significant pressure on biodiversity, and studies have been conducted to assess the impact of forest loss and gain or associated with deforestation embedded in the agrifood supply chain. However, the complex links between consumption patterns, supply-chain dynamics, land use and biodiversity loss remain challenging to assess as a whole. In this study, we bridge these gaps by integrating spatio-temporal data on forest management, wood flows and biodiversity impacts with global supply-chain modelling. Our analysis covers 2000–2017 and traces wood biomass from production through intermediate processing to final consumption across economic sectors.

We developed an integrated approach combining multiple models and datasets. Forestry yields and forest management intensities were derived from the Global Biosphere Management Model (GLOBIOM) and combined with biodiversity characterisation factors recommended by the latest GLAM initiative of the UNEP Life Cycle Initiative, which allow estimation of the potentially disappeared fraction of species and take into account the range area and threat level of species. Through this combination, country-specific biodiversity impact scores were calculated. To capture trade and sectoral flows, we linked these scores to a multi-regional input-output (MRIO) framework merging the REX and FORBIO databases, which provides unprecedented resolution of wood biomass flows across countries and sectors. This framework enabled us to quantify biodiversity impacts associated with global wood production and consumption, distinguishing between country contributions as producers and consumers, end-use sectors such as energy, construction and others.

Our findings reveal biodiversity impacts were concentrated in tropical regions in 2017, while China dominated global wood biomass consumption (17%). The Solomon Islands contributed 13% of global biodiversity impacts despite producing only 0.1% of wood, mostly exported. More than half of global impacts were driven by energy use, followed by construction. Since 2000, impacts have grown by 9%, driven by domestic energy demand in lower-income countries and trade of wood products from biodiversity-rich regions to high-income nations. These results underscore the need for tailored policies—promoting sustainable sourcing in high-income countries and addressing energy poverty in developing regions—while highlighting the importance of integrated modelling to inform global biodiversity conservation strategies.