More information on the Forest action area at the upcoming UN Secretary-General Climate Summit: Forests The Issue Forests and the services they offer society are crucial to sustainable development and human well-being. While many efforts to slow or halt deforestation have been successful, approximately 13 million hectares of forests continue to be lost each year, contributing up to 20 per cent of annual global greenhouse gas emissions. The clearing of land linked to the development of agricultural commodities is a key factor behind deforestation. At the same time, about 2 billion hectares of degraded forests and other lands – all around the globe – need to be restored. Actions to combat deforestation and speed up the restoration of degraded lands will contribute to economic growth, poverty reduction and greater food security as well as help communities adapt to climate change and secure the rights and livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities. Action Plan The United Nations, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples and the private sector are working together in a global effort to address deforestation and expand the restoration of forests. These efforts include a public-private partnership to eliminate deforestation within the agricultural commodity supply chains, and the creation of strong incentives to reward emission reductions from tropical forests countries. One vital goal for the Summit is to advance commitments made by all relevant partners – including developing and developed countries and financial institutions – to REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, including through conservation, the sustainable management of forests and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks). Tropical forest countries are being urged to present priority actions for deforestation and forest restoration in their statements at the Summit, even if these actions are conditional on international support. Advanced economies are being urged to include financial incentives for REDD+ in their post-2020 climate change commitments, which could inform and catalyse action on REDD+ policy decisions and financing in 2015. For more information on contributing to this Action Area contact: Charles McNeill Senior Policy Advisor, Environment & Energy Group United Nations Development Programme Charles [dot] McNeill [at] undp [dot] org Tracy Raczek UN Secretary-General’s Climate Change Support Team Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Strategic Planning razcek [at] un [dot] org un.org/climatechange/summit/action-areas/#forests
Posted on: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 06:47:49 +0000
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