Climate Change: What We Do -- Deforestation

Cambari at dawn in Tariquia Flora and Fauna National Reserve in Bolivia, South America


Despite the fact that deforestation is the second leading contributor of carbon emissions worldwide after the burning of fossil fuels, countries currently have few incentives for preserving their forests. However, deforestation is finally gaining attention in international discussions on climate change.

The Nature Conservancy believes that addressing deforestation must be a part of a comprehensive global climate change solution that addresses all major sources of carbon emissions. We are encouraging the world’s governments to create a flexible framework that incorporates the actions of developing countries with meaningful incentives to encourage the preservation and restoration of forests.

Visit the links below to discover how forest conservation and restoration can help stem the tide of climate change, while preserving critical habitats for nature and people.

Sierre MadreThe Role of Forests in Reducing Emissions
Reforestation and deforestation projects represent one of the most cost effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

 

deforestationCreating Incentives to Stop Deforestation
While direct conservation efforts make a substantial contribution, much more needs to be done to curb the impact that deforestation has on climate change.

ChinaHolding Forest Projects to a Higher Standard
Forest projects designed to mitigate climate change should also increase biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods.

guaraquecabaProjects that Make a Difference
From Belize to China, the Conservancy is working around the world to protect forests and measure the amount of carbon they store.

 

Bill StanleyCurbing Deforestation to Slow Climate Change
Bill Stanley, science lead, says halting deforestation in the next 50 years is possible—if we give countries financial incentives.

 
 

Abandoned logs in East Kalimantan.

 

planet, change, nature, people, solutions

Deforestation and land-use change contributes approximately 20 percent of the carbon emissions that cause climate change.

Go Deeper

The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility
Read more on why The Nature Conservancy helped launch the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. Visit The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility online.

For Conservationists
Visit our climate change workspace and online library on ConserveOnline, a portal for the conservation community.

We Want to Hear from You

Tell us what you think about our climate change work.

 

You can also submit a climate change question to The Nature Conservancy’s “Ask the Conservationist" column.

 

What’s Your Impact?

Get an estimate of your carbon footprint using the Conservancy’s carbon footprint calculator and see how you compare to U.S. and global averages.

 

 

 

 

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photos © Ivan Arnold (Cambari at dawn in Tariquia Flora and Fauna National Reserve in Bolivia, South America); © Mark Godfrey/TNC (Abandoned logs in East Kalimantan); Mark Godfrey (Sierra Madre mountain forests); © Zhu/TNC (Chinese Researchers); © Marci Eggers/TNC (Atlantic Forest rainforest, Guaraquecaba, Brazil); © Erika Nortemann/TNC (Bill Stanley, Director, Global Climate Change Initiative).