Restoring forests could capture two-thirds of man-made carbon emissions, a new study launched today by the Crowther Lab shows.
The world’s forests could safely increase by 30% - an area the size of the USA - without affecting our existing cities or agriculture say the researchers.
Forest restoration is believed to be the most effective solution to climate change available today and has the potential to capture two thirds of man-made carbon emissions.
However, the researchers warn that the need for action is urgent.
Our climate is already changing and, as a result, every year the land that’s suitable for supporting new forests shrinks. This could reduce the area available for forest restoration by a fifth by 2050.
“Tackling the climate crisis and restoring our forests requires unprecedented levels of co-operation and support at both a local and global level, supported by initiatives such as Trillion Trees that are accelerating delivery on the ground. We have the solutions at our fingertips; we just need the global political will to fight for our world.”
- Will Baldwin-Cantello (Global lead on Forests at WWF)
We must restore nature
The results of the study highlight the importance of WWF’s urgent call for a global commitment to protect and restore nature. We call this a New Deal for Nature and People, as restoring nature is essential for the survival and prosperity of people everywhere.
In 2020, there is a vital opportunity to set a new and sustainable direction for our planet. This means governments, together with business leaders and society at large, agreeing to restore nature by 2030 – which, if delivered, will also help deliver global commitments to tackle climate change and improve people’s lives.
Every one of us can help make this happen - and create an unstoppable movement for nature similar to when the world came together to tackle climate change.