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According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), halting deforestation is crucial for combating climate change. Each year, 10 million hectares of forests are cleared—an area the size of Portugal. This not only devastates wildlife and human livelihoods but also releases over 5.6 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases annually, more than the combined emissions of aviation and shipping.
The Role of Forests in Climate Stability
Forests are essential for absorbing carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas. When trees are cut down or burned, they release stored carbon, exacerbating global warming. The loss of trees also means forests can no longer absorb as much carbon, compounding the problem.
Urgency and Potential Solutions
Current human activities, particularly fossil fuel burning, are driving greenhouse gas emissions to record levels, causing severe weather events and economic losses. UNEP data shows that without significant action, global temperatures could rise by 2.5°C to 2.9°C this century, far above the Paris Agreement goals.
Halting deforestation could reduce emissions by 4 gigatonnes annually. Protecting and restoring forests, part of broader nature-based solutions, could cut emissions by 10 to 18 gigatonnes annually by 2050.
Current Efforts and Future Plans
Despite the urgent need, deforestation continues, mainly driven by agricultural expansion. Only 40 percent of deforestation-prone countries have forest protection measures in their climate plans. With new climate pledges due in 2025, there’s a “golden opportunity” to set clear targets for halting deforestation and restoring forests.
Developing countries need support to meet these goals. UNEP advocates for proper valuation of forests and increased forest carbon prices to provide adequate funding for conservation efforts.
Mirey Atallah from UNEP emphasizes the critical role of forests in climate stability. If substantial progress isn’t made in the upcoming climate pledges, it may be too late to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.
