| March 26, 2010 |  |
New U.N. Report Shows Deforestation Slowing Worldwide; Helped by Aid from Developed Countries to Tropics
WASHINGTON (March 25, 2010)—The Union Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization today released a report showing a reduction in tropical deforestation in part due to international funding to protect these forests. The Union of Concerned Scientists called on the United States to join in efforts to slow deforestation.
Below is a statement by Doug Boucher, director of climate research and analysis at UCS.
"The U.N. report's key findings show the world is making progress in reducing tropical deforestation, which is responsible for about 15 percent of all global warming emissions. It's especially encouraging to see reductions in Indonesia and Brazil, the countries responsible for by far the largest emissions from deforestation. A substantial amount of this progress is due to funding from developed countries, especially Norway, to preserve tropical forests. This funding has created a strong economic incentive, making forests worth more alive than destroyed.
"Humans have been destroying forests for centuries, but we now see the real possibility that we can put an end to deforestation within our lifetime. U.S. support for programs to reduce emissions from deforestation in developing countries, called REDD, is vital to making this vision a reality in the next few decades."
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
