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visionaries, change-makers, business leaders, and subject experts that
understand the urgent need to address climate change and the potential
for wealth generation in the post-carbon economy. We are a team
committed to developing and supporting the business ideas that do
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SITUATION
Globally, forests cover close to 30% of the Earth's land area and act as a vital sink for carbon from the atmosphere. Rapid deforestation to convert land for use in agriculture, settlements, and infrastructure and to provide timber for wood products is responsible for as much as 18% of annual global anthropogenic CO2e emissions.
Globally, forests cover close to 30% of the Earth's land area and act as a vital sink for carbon from the atmosphere. Rapid deforestation to convert land for use in agriculture, settlements, and infrastructure and to provide timber for wood products is responsible for as much as 18% of annual global anthropogenic CO2e emissions.
Deforestation is contributing to rising CO2e levels that unchecked will lead to catastrophic climate change. Between 1990 and 2005, global forest area decreased by an estimated 7.3 million hectares a year, resulting in net carbon stock losses of 4 billion tons of CO2e annually. Significant increases in annual emissions due to deforestation are projected up to 2020.
Forest carbon stock destruction occurs primarily in Africa, Asia, and South America, offset by modest gains in forest mass in the remainder of the world's forests. Deforestation continues in these unregulated regions, driven by pursuit of short-term economic gains from clearing the land and either converting it to pasture for cows (a high-value crop) or selling the timber. The long-term economic consequences of deforestation for communities are often negative and can include losses from farming collapse as a result of soil erosion (due to forest clearing) and loss of income from forest products.
OBJECTIVE
There is significant mitigation potential for CO2e by addressing unsustainable forest management practices globally. According to the IPCC, as much as 13.8 billion tons of CO2e annually could be mitigated through afforestation, reduced deforestation, and forest management by 2020.
There is significant mitigation potential for CO2e by addressing unsustainable forest management practices globally. According to the IPCC, as much as 13.8 billion tons of CO2e annually could be mitigated through afforestation, reduced deforestation, and forest management by 2020.
Successful mitigation at this level would represent approximately a 30% reduction in annual CO2e emissions levels from estimated 2009 levels.
Recognition of the economic benefits from sustainable forest practices is needed to achieve forest protection. The economic benefits of healthy forests include sustainable streams of profits from forest products (including sustainably harvested timber), protection of local soils, and enhanced agricultural cultivation (through avoided erosion associated with deforestation). Tourism can also be a major economic benefit.
Market-based Approaches
A number of benefits can come through market-based practices. Local tourism markets are stimulated by forests, providing an incentive for groups to work together to protect forestland. Markets for sustainable forest products can also motivate protection.
Consumer awareness about the harm of deforestation has created a market for sustainable forest products. There is an expanding market for certified wood products harvested from sustainably managed forests. These markets are based on voluntary certification. Once established, markets for certified products can be used to advance regulatory action. Mandatory standards for environmentally-sensitive and healthy products are more easily supported once successful product alternatives exist and have been market-tested. These mandates then accelerate market-growth and ensure adoption.
DEFORESTATION INCREASES CO2E EMISSIONS
Deforestation and forest degradation are responsible for an estimated 12% of annual CO2e emissions, most of which takes place in tropical developing countries. Deforestation is often...
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DESTRUCTION OUTPACES NEW GROWTH
The net destruction of forests in South America, Africa, and Asia is far greater than the small gains in forest mass being made in other parts of the world. The preservation of forests is crucial...
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DEFORESTATION DESTROYS CARBON SINKS
Between 1990 and 2005, global forest area decreased by an estimated 7.3 million hectares a year, resulting in net carbon stock losses of 4 billion tons of CO2e annually...
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STOPPING DEFORESTATION AVOIDS CO2E
There is significant CO2e mitigation potential through avoided deforestation. Estimated savings of CO2e by 2055 vary based on the the price of carbon emissions...
Read more > Source: IPCC, 2007
AGRICULTURE DRIVES DEFORESTATION
Slash and burn agriculture in rural areas is contributing to deforestation and is in general an unsustainable practice...
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TOTAL FOREST AREA IS DECREASING
Annual net change in forest area is negative, as reported in million hectares by region for the period between 1990-2005...
Read more > Source: FAO, 2006
REDD IS FIGHTING DEFORESTATION
Deforestation that contributes to rising CO2e emissions has a number of other negative impacts, including destruction of habitat to support local ecosystems and soil erosion that ultimately destroys agriculture.
Deforestation that contributes to rising CO2e emissions has a number of other negative impacts, including destruction of habitat to support local ecosystems and soil erosion that...
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AMAZON SUFFERS MAJOR DEFORESTATION
The Amazon and other important forests are being cut and cleared to make the land available for agriculture. This practice reduces the planet's stock of carbon sinks, and accelerates global...
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INTELLIGENCE
REPORTS
FAO, 2009
Center for International Forestry, 2009
Global Canopy Programme, 2008
PUBLICATIONS
Routledge Explorations in Environmental Economics, 2009
Brookings Institute Press, 2008
