The 2023 Forest Pathways Report by WWF is out and emphasises the critical importance of protecting and restoring forests in the context of climate change and sustainable development. The world is at a crossroads, where we can either choose a future with more forests or one with fewer. The report highlights the following key points and recommendations:
The Forest Stripes, livingplanetindex.org/fsi. Population abundance of species that rely on forests, 79% average decline 1970 to 2018.
- Global commitments and their implementation: The report stresses the need to take action on existing global commitments to protect, restore, and sustainably manage forests. Without a real focus on these commitments, high ambition and accountability these goals won't be achieved. 🚨
- Current state of forests: Despite forests being a powerful ally in the fight against climate change, the world is falling short in safeguarding them. Forests play a significant role in absorbing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting biodiversity, and providing livelihoods to billions of people. However, forest loss, conversion, and degradation continue despite international pledges and declarations. ⚠️
- Deforestation trends: The report reveals that the world is off track in halting deforestation by 2030. Global deforestation increased by 4% in 2022, and 6.6 million hectares of forest were lost during that year, deviating from the 2022 target. Particularly concerning is the loss of 4.1 million hectares of primary humid forest in the tropics, representing a 33% divergence from the 2022 target. 🪵🪓
- Climate change impact: The report shows the impact of climate change on forests across various regions. These impacts include shifting wildfire regimes, more extended dry seasons in tropical forests, intensified forest fires, and increased tree mortality. This makes forests less resilient to climate change, posing a significant threat to their sustainability. 🌍
- The impact of land use: The decisions regarding land use and climate change will determine the fate of global forests. If society takes measures to limit global warming to 1.5°C, models suggest the potential recovery of 350 million hectares of forest by 2100. However, under high greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, coupled with the failure to reclaim cultivated land for forests, an additional loss of 500 million hectares of forest is projected by 2100. 🚜
🤔 Some positive developments? The report acknowledges positive developments such as market regulations in importing countries, trade agreements with producing countries supporting sustainable forest products, regional solutions like Project Finance for Permanence and payments for ecosystem services, and innovative financial strategies like blended finance schemes and debt-for-nature swaps.
🗺️ Pathways to Forest Protection: The report outlines pathways to meet forest goals, which include recognizing the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities to own and manage their lands, mobilising significant financial resources for green and sustainable forest economies, reforming global trade rules to eliminate deforestation, and transitioning to nature-based and bio-economies.
In line with the report's findings, there is a clear and resounding message: "We do not need any more forest goals. What we need is to start implementing the ones we have justly, with ambition, and at pace, growing positive momentum in both the public and private sectors." It's time for collective action and accountability in the pursuit of a future with more forests, and the report serves as a stark reminder of the urgency and importance of these actions.
https://www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-10/WWF-Forest-Pathways-Exec-Summary-2023.pdf
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The call for implementation, accountability, and collective action is a resounding message that should resonate with all of us. 🌲🌍
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We must stabilize our climate by protecting and restoring nature.
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@mercy_nduta_984 exactly
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The WWF Forest Pathways Report serves as a critical global call to action. It's a blueprint for safeguarding these vital ecosystems for generations to come. We must unite and take action Asap!