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The world has Lost Since the last ice age, one third of the forest, It is estimated that 15% of global greenhouse gases still come from deforestation and forest degradation.
Now, the new pledges made at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow last month hope to change this grim situation. The “Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use” signed by major forest countries aims to reduce deforestation to zero by 2030. This promise brings hope that the world will see new impetus to curb the destructive effects of deforestation.
Simon Lewis, a global change science researcher at the University of Leeds and University College London, said: “If we can zero deforestation, it will be a great achievement.” “Whether it is in terms of carbon. […] And biodiversity and protection, because two thirds of the world’s species live in the world’s tropical forests. “
But the pledge also has some serious warnings, including similar statements made before—often with little effect.
What is the new promise?
it Be declared At the COP in early November, it was signed by 141 countries (about 72% of the countries), including Brazil, Indonesia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Three of the four countries with the most tropical forests in 2020.
The countries pledged to “work together to curb and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030” while “achieving sustainable development and promoting inclusive rural transformation”. Importantly, it does not limit this only by mentioning “illegal” deforestation like many other promises, which means it tries to cover all deforestation, not just logging or land clearing that violates local laws.
Promise is support US$12 billion in public funds and US$7.2 billion in private financing. some of, $1.7 billion will be used Support the land rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, and support their role as forest protectors.
However, Lewis stated that there is still ambiguity as to whether the commitment means “zero” deforestation or “net zero” deforestation. Zero deforestation means that no place will lose the ancient growth forest. But net zero deforestation means that old forests can still be cleared, as long as new forests are planted at the same rate. “The former is much better for carbon and much better for biodiversity,” Lewis explained.
What impact will it have?
It is difficult to overstate the impact of ending deforestation on climate change, water security, wildlife and the welfare of indigenous communities.
one analyze The World Resources Institute (WRI) found that ending forest loss in all countries that signed the pledge by 2030 will avoid 33 million hectares of forest loss, an area roughly equivalent to the area of Malaysia.It can also avoid 19 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO2e) emissions, which is about China’s annual emissions.
Adriana Ramos, political and legal coordinator of the Brazilian Institute of Social Environment (ISA), said: “This will be a real contribution to overall emissions reduction.” “For example, when Brazil, Reduce emissions from deforestation, This is the world’s largest emission reduction. Reducing deforestation is the cheapest, and I would say it is almost the easiest way to reduce emissions. “
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