Deforestation ‘roaring back’ despite 140-country vow to end destruction

Voluntary deforestation cuts are ineffective. Strong regulations and funding for forests are essential.
October 8, 2024

From The Guardian - Climate Change

Summary

Deforestation has surged in 2023, exceeding levels seen before 140 countries vowed to end forest destruction by 2030. Nearly 6.4 million hectares were cleared, driven by demands for commodities like beef and palm oil. While Brazil showed progress with a 62% reduction in Amazon deforestation, spiking rates in Indonesia and Bolivia highlight the need for stronger regulations and funding for forest protection. The report warns that without significant action, global forest protection targets will remain unattainable.

Highlights -🌳

  • 🌍 Deforestation increased in 2023, defying global commitments.
  • 📉 6.4 million hectares of forest were lost this year.
  • 🇧🇷 Brazil’s Amazon deforestation dropped by 62%.
  • 🇮🇩 Indonesia’s deforestation spiked by 57%.
  • 📜 Voluntary deforestation cuts are ineffective.
  • 💰 Strong regulations and funding for forests are essential.
  • 🍃 EU proposed regulations to combat deforestation-linked products.

The destruction of global forests increased in 2023, and is higher than when 140 countries promised three years ago to halt deforestation by the end of the decade, an analysis shows.

The rising demolition of the forests puts ambitions to halt the climate crisis and stem the huge worldwide losses of wildlife even further from reach, the researchers warn.

Almost 6.4m hectares (16m acres) of forest were razed in 2023, according to the report. Even more forest – 62.6m ha – was degraded as road building, logging and forest fires took their toll. There were spikes in deforestation in Indonesia and Bolivia, driven by political changes and continued demand for commodities including beef, soy, palm oil, paper and nickel in rich countries.

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Read the full post at The Guardian - Climate Change.

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