UK — Timber buildings will be instrumental in the global response to climate breakdown, locking in carbon from the atmosphere and replacing high-impact materials like concrete and steel. But increasing reliance on sawn and engineered wood over the coming decades is also expected to put huge pressure on sustainable commercial forestry. And with fierce competition for wood biomass from other industries, such as aviation and power, there are concerns that supply may be outstripped by demand, putting net-zero targets in jeopardy. A report published last year by Metabolic forecast that, to meet a target for 50% bio-based residential construction in Europe in 2030, production of engineered timber would need to increase nearly fivefold and roundwood by four and a half times. The study concludes that the increase in wood consumption is not compatible with the realistic growth potential of harvesting, making it necessary for decision-makers to carefully weigh up their options.