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Healthy Forests Provide Clean and Abundant Water

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14 Jun, 2024

This post was originally published on Healthy Forest

Active forest management plays a crucial role in protecting clean water supplies, particularly in regions vulnerable to wildfires and water scarcity, such as Arizona and California. For decades, passive management across the west has contributed to unnaturally thick forests that increase severe wildfire risks and impact water availability.

Wildfire Risks in Overgrown Forests
In thick forests, wildfires tend to burn hotter and more destructively, consuming everything in their path and leaving the soil exposed and vulnerable to erosion. Without vegetation to hold the soil together, rainfall can wash ash and debris into rivers and reservoirs, compromising water quality and reducing storage capacity. Additionally, the infrastructure downstream, such as dams and water treatment plants, can suffer significant damage from the influx of debris.

Water Usage by Forests
Overgrown forests not only pose a fire hazard but also consume vast amounts of water. Trees and undergrowth take up water from the ground, reducing the amount available for aquifers and downstream flows. By contrast, research suggests thinning the forest can significantly reduce this water uptake.

Innovative Use of LiDAR Technology
A partnership between the Salt River Project (SRP) and Arizona State University (ASU) employed LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to gather detailed data on forest density and water usage. LiDAR sensors, mounted on planes and helicopters, provide high-resolution scans of forest areas, allowing researchers to accurately count trees and estimate their water consumption. This precise data enables the development of effective forest management strategies tailored to maximize water conservation.

Pilot Project in Kaibab National Forest
A pilot project in the Kaibab National Forest exemplifies the potential benefits of forest thinning. By thinning approximately 3,400 acres, researchers estimated an increase of about 230 acre-feet, or nearly 75 million gallons, of water in the first year alone. Considering that one acre-foot can supply water for three Arizona families for a year, this increase represents a significant contribution to the region’s water supply.

Long-Term Benefits of Forest Thinning
Thinning forests to a more natural state, with fewer but larger trees, can lead to numerous long-term benefits. Reduced tree density allows more water to remain in the ground or flow into tributaries, recharging springs and rivers. It also decreases fire danger, promoting healthier, more resilient forests. This balance between tree growth and water availability can create a more sustainable ecosystem.

Water Savings for California
The implications of forest thinning extend beyond Arizona. A 2011 study by experts from UC Merced, UC Berkeley, and the Environmental Defense Fund suggests significant water conservation potential in California. The study found that reducing forest cover by 40% could increase total runoff by 9%, potentially adding 2.2 million acre-feet of water to California’s supply annually. This highlights the broader applicability of forest thinning as a water management strategy.

Active forest management, through practices like forest thinning, offers substantial benefits for water conservation and wildfire risk reduction. Innovations in data collection and analysis, such as the use of LiDAR technology, enable more precise and effective management strategies. As demonstrated by the SRP and ASU’s efforts, thinning overgrown forests can enhance water availability, protect infrastructure, and promote healthier ecosystems. By adopting similar practices, other regions can also reap the benefits of improved forest and water management.

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Source: Healthy Forest

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Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks has become essential as businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability. IT operations contribute significantly to carbon emissions, energy consumption and electronic waste (e-waste). Organisations that embed environmental responsibility into their IT governance can reduce their ecological footprint, improve operational efficiency and strengthen their brand reputation.

Erica Smith, chief alliance officer and environmental, social and governance lead, Blue Connections IT, said, “Environmental stewardship supports financial performance, risk mitigation and brand differentiation. With rising energy costs, increased consumer demand for sustainable products and services, and growing pressure from investors and regulators, companies can no longer afford to overlook their environmental responsibilities.

“Poor sustainability practices in IT can lead to high operational costs, supply chain risks and reputational damage. Conversely, a proactive approach improves efficiency, attracts environmentally conscious customers and helps future-proof businesses against evolving policy and regulatory changes.

“Integrating environmental responsibility into IT governance integrates sustainability initiatives into decision-making systematically. Organisations can reduce waste, lower energy consumption and extend the lifecycle of technology assets while positioning themselves as responsible leaders in an increasingly climate-aware market.”

There are four key areas that present opportunities to embed environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks.

1. Device lifecycle management

A structured approach to managing the lifecycle of IT assets ensures devices are deployed efficiently, maintained properly and retired responsibly at the end of their useful life. Embracing a circular economy model, where equipment is refurbished, reused or ethically recycled, can significantly reduce e-waste and resource use. Companies that adopt this approach lower their environmental impact and unlock financial value by extending the lifecycle of IT assets.

Smith said, “Effective asset recovery strategies further support sustainability efforts. Integrating secure data erasure and refurbishment into IT governance policies lets businesses repurpose functional devices within the organisation or resell them to external buyers. Responsible e-waste recycling also supports companies to process materials ethically in instances where resale is not viable, reducing landfill contributions and preventing environmental contamination. The adoption of industry-certified data sanitisation methods also safeguards compliance with security and privacy regulations.”

2. Sustainable procurement

IT governance frameworks should prioritise the selection of technology vendors and partners committed to sustainable manufacturing, responsible sourcing and energy-efficient product design. This includes favouring IT hardware with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled materials and using minimal packaging. Additionally, employing Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) models optimises IT asset utilisation while reducing upfront investment and unnecessary hardware purchases.

Partnerships with sustainability-driven IT service providers can further enhance an organisation’s environmental impact. Working with partners that offer end-to-end IT asset management solutions, encompassing secure device deployment, certified data sanitisation and ethical recycling, simplifies the process of aligning IT operations with sustainability goals. Companies that prioritise environmental stewardship in their IT governance framework gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating their commitment to responsible business practices.

3. Energy consumption

Data centres, cloud services and enterprise networks require substantial energy resources, making green IT practices essential. IT governance frameworks should include policies to reduce consumption by optimising server efficiency, reducing redundant infrastructure and using renewable energy sources. Cloud providers with strong sustainability credentials can support carbon reduction initiatives, while virtualisation strategies can consolidate workloads and improve overall energy efficiency.

4. Employee engagement

Educating staff on sustainable IT practices, such as energy-efficient device usage and responsible e-waste disposal, creates a culture of accountability. Organisations that implement green workplace initiatives, such as responsible end-of-life disposal programs, reinforce their commitment to sustainability at all levels.

“IT governance must also align with corporate environmental, social and governance commitments. Companies can contribute to broader sustainability objectives by embedding environmental stewardship into IT policies, such as net-zero emissions targets and responsible supply chain management. Clear reporting mechanisms and regular sustainability audits aid transparency, letting businesses track their progress and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders,” Smith said.

Government regulations and evolving industry standards are increasingly shaping the sustainability expectations for organisations. Aligning IT governance frameworks with best practices for environmental stewardship keeps companies ahead of regulatory requirements. Proactive adoption of sustainable IT practices positions businesses as industry leaders in environmental responsibility.

Smith said, “Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks is not just about meeting compliance obligations; it’s about futureproofing company operations and prioritising the broader environment. Taking a proactive approach to sustainability lets organisations drive efficiency, reduce long-term costs and contribute to a healthier planet. Businesses that lead in sustainable IT governance will be well-positioned for long-term success as environmental concerns continue to shape consumer and corporate priorities.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Petmal

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