Saving forests from destruction is a good way to tackle climate change

Image by jeremyjeremy

Statement from Conservation International on French Proposal to Include Forestry Projects in the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) 

Poznan, Poland (Dec. 8, 2008) -- "The government of France is again demonstrating its commitment to lead the global community in aggressively tackling climate change with their proposal to include forestry projects in the EU ETS," said Dr. Fred Boltz, Vice-President of Conservation International. "The EU has been a leader in developing policies and markets to mitigate climate change. This would be an important step in moving dialogue about forest-based solutions to real economic incentives and actions. Without forests in the solution, it will be impossible to avoid increases in atmospheric CO2 concentration that will put the Earth in jeopardy of catastrophic climate impacts. This is not merely about forests; it is about people. Climate change and conservation are human issues requiring urgent solutions. Under commitments by governments, donors, indigenous peoples and local communities, and NGOs to reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD), we have an opportunity to help resolve the economic and social inequities that are leading to massive deforestation, vulnerable local communities, poverty, biodiversity extinction, and climate change. We hope the rest of the world will follow France's ambitious effort to address the magnitude and complexity of the climate challenge. Our generation must take such bold, visionary actions."

The emissions reduction impact and cost-effectiveness of REDD is bolstered further by a new study released in Poznan by Conservation International, the Terrestrial Carbon Group, Environmental Defense Fund, University of East Anglia, and The Woods Hole Research Center. The "Collaborative Modeling Initiative on REDD Economics" demonstrates that a properly-designed REDD mechanism will result in substantial CO2 emissions reductions, that excluding any country from REDD will result in increased deforestation by that country, and that REDD is cost-effective relative to other policies. REDD is an immediate climate change mitigation option and a critical element of climate stabilization efforts long-term.

Press release from Conservation International.