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1. The Pine Beetle Epidemic is a Result of Global Warming

Vancouver just shattered records for highest temperatures ever recorded in April, according to the CBC. As reported by EcoWatch, there is a 99% chance 2016 will be the hottest year in recorded history. No one can deny that temperatures on our earth are increasing. It’s not a conspiracy. Summers are coming earlier, and winters are getting shorter. So what? More time to work on your tan, right? Unfortunately, the rising temperatures triggered the Pine Beetle Epidemic, which has devastated the forests of British Columbia. Warmer winters let Mountain Pine Beetles survive longer and reproduce faster, allowing them to attack more pine trees than ever before. This pesky little critter is causing an epidemic that environmental scientists have never seen before in BC, and even the world. If not harvested in time, these infested trees release massive amounts of pollution into our atmosphere. As David Suzuki puts it, “a beetle apocalypse has been unleashed on the forests of Western Canada.”[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”17039″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”40″][vc_column_text]

2. The Devastation is Tremendous

The Mountain Pine Beetle has devastated over 18 million hectares of BC forests. To put that into perspective, that is equal to the area of 1.3 million football fields. These trees release 29 billion pounds of CO 2 every year, which is equal to the yearly emissions of 3.7 million cars on the road. Stop and let that sink in…that’s like 3.7 million people idling their cars in our forests, each year. You must be wondering how a tiny beetle could do so much harm. Once the Pine Beetles attack, pine trees immediately lose their ability to process nutrients and begin to die. As we all know, trees play a vital role in balancing our environment. They absorb CO 2 and release oxygen. When the trees are attacked, they can no longer store their absorbed CO 2 and release it into our atmosphere. If the trees are not harvested in time, they release methane gas, which is 23 times worse than CO 2. Not only do these trees pose a threat to our air, but also their dryness increases the risk of forest fires. Not to mention, since 2006, the Pine Beetle epidemic has cost the BC timber industry $3 Billion dollars. By 2020, 57% of pine trees will have been affected, and this CO 2 release will only get worse. Something has to be done.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”16858″ img_size=”full”][vc_empty_space height=”40″][vc_column_text]

3. Change is in Our Hands

The situation is a little grim, but the reality is that the power to drive change is in our hands. The BC government is already investigating solutions to rid our forests of the Pine Beetle. By planting new trees, we can mitigate the CO 2 release of the infested trees that are still standing, and revitalize our beautiful forests. And, by using Pine Beetle kill wood to sustainably craft products or construct buildings, we can significantly reduce CO 2 emissions in our air. The trees are abundantly available and ready to be used. What our forests need is for people to take charge, raise awareness, and innovate with the material. There needs to be more ways of integrating Pine Beetle kill wood into our every day lives. By using Pine Beetle kill wood you become a part of the story, a story of bringing dead wood back to life, and creating a beetle-free future. Lets spread the word about the Pine beetle epidemic, and spark conversation about the possibilities with Pine Beetle kill wood. Together, we can create a movement. Let’s protect the precious air and forests of beautiful British Columbia.

Help us bring Bika to life and rejuvenate the BC forest landscape by supporting our Kickstarter campaign. ONLY 4 DAYS LEFT. Click here to see the full video about Bika.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Join the movement TODAY!” color=”vista-blue” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kickstarter.com%2Fprojects%2F1200012506%2Fbika-the-first-modern-bike-rack-crafted-from-kill||”][vc_empty_space height=”40″][vc_empty_space height=”40″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]