FOREST REPORT : ENVIRONMENT

FOREST REPORT : ENVIRONMENT

NEWS : Global deforestation rates surge, shows Forest Declaration Assessment 2024

 

 WHAT’S IN THE NEWS ?

The findings of the 2024 Forest Declaration Assessment indicated serious problems in global efforts to stop deforestation and forest damage.

Threat to Ecosystems: Terrestrial and coastal ecosystems (savannas, grasslands, scrublands, wetlands) are under threat of conversion and degradation.

Deforestation in 2023: 6.37 million hectares of forest were permanently lost.

Global Progress: The world remains off track to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030.

 

Regional Findings:

  • Tropical Asia: Deforestation spiked to 1.83 million hectares in 2023.
  • Temperate and Boreal Regions: Off track in meeting 2030 targets.
  • Temperate Latin America and North America: Highest deforestation outside the tropics.
  • Temperate Africa: Six-fold increase in deforestation compared to baseline.

Gross Emissions: Deforestation caused 3.8 billion metric tons of CO₂ emissions.

Primary Forest Loss: Primary forests were destroyed at alarming rates, with irreversible loss of carbon and biodiversity.

Drivers of Deforestation:

Unsustainable Models: Short-term gains from agriculture, mining, and urbanization.

Commodity Demand: Agricultural commodities and mining contributed significantly.

Significance of Forests:

  • Livelihoods: Support for over a billion people.
  • Biodiversity: Habitat for 80% of terrestrial species.
  • Climate: Crucial for climate stabilization, as per the Paris Agreement.

Challenges: Global deforestation commitments like the New York Declaration on Forests are not on track.

 

Impact on Marginalized Communities: Indigenous and local populations face displacement, violence, and loss of livelihoods due to aggressive land use.

 

Way Forward: A mix of community, policy initiatives, and strong leadership, especially in Brazil and Indonesia, shows progress is possible. Transparency and regulatory frameworks are crucial for accountability.

 Source : https://www.downtoearth.org.in/forests/global-deforestation-rates-surge-shows-forest-declaration-assessment-2024#:~:text=The%20findings%20of%20the%202024,stronger%20actions%20from%20world%20leaders