6.17.2008 - 11:47am ET

(CSRwire) ST. LOUIS, June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a speech today before the deans of leading university forestry resource programs, Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Moore called for dialogue involving "the broad forest community" to ensure sustainable forests are fully considered in any climate change negotiations. Moore spoke to a regional meeting of the National Association of University Forest Resources Programs (NAUFRP) in St. Louis. That organization represents the nation's most prestigious forestry programs and their respective scientists, educators, and extension specialists.

"In order to have fully informed public policy discussions on energy requirements, sustainable forestry, and the mitigation of climate change, we must follow a path that includes ongoing dialogue involving diverse interests," said Moore. "We have to find common ground and work together for a shared, sustainable future."

"Our company is committed to working with others to communicate the important link between the forest products industry, sustainable forestry management, and the benefits both bring to mitigating climate change, particularly through carbon sequestration," said Moore.

Moore cited his company's work with numerous forestry advocates including the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and The Forests Dialogue -- a group currently working to develop a major, international, multi-stakeholder initiative on forests and climate. Moore told NAUFRP representatives he believes " ... the broad forest community needs to speak with a more informed voice on issues that climate change treaty negotiators will be grappling with in the months ahead."

In addition, Moore pointed to several environmental initiatives his company has undertaken, including the company's 20 percent reduction in the burning of fossil fuels since 1998. Smurfit-Stone is also one of the world's largest paper recyclers and distributes approximately 24 million seedlings for planting on private and public lands each year.

Moore thanked NAUFRP representatives for the work they are doing to ensure "our people and planet will have sustainable forests now and in the future."

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation (Nasdaq: SSCC) is the industry's leading integrated containerboard and corrugated packaging producer and is one of the world's largest paper recyclers. The company is a member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative(R), and the Chicago Climate Exchange. Smurfit-Stone generated revenue of $7.4 billion in 2007, has led the industry in safety every year since 2001, and conducts its business in compliance with the environmental, health, and safety principles of the American Forest & Paper Association.

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