Deforestation

Logging and burning of tropical forests creates about 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than that emitted from all the cars, planes, and trains in the world.

So deforestation and forest degradation are doubly damaging, because greenhouse gases are released while at the same time the number of carbon dioxide absorbing trees are reduced.

The forests keep the climate in balance

How climate change is hurting forests

Cutting down forests adds to climate change but climate change itself will also hurt forests.

Droughts and forest fires are expected to increase due to climate change.

Forest fires can be a normal part of forests - they clear dense brush and are part of some species lifecycle. However, forests over-stressed by human activity and drought can also be devastated by them.

There are already indications that the Amazon is drying out, which could lead to a dangerous feedback of fires and desertification.  

Invasive insect species may also damage forest health.

Insect attacks are likely to increase in frequency and intensity as established forests succumb to the physiological stress associated with warmer, drier conditions.  

Opportunity

In 2009, our global leaders must agree to a strong, legally binding and fair climate agreement at the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen.

Whatever the final agreement, countries will have to make emissions cuts under a global scheme.

Greenpeace doesn't want forests to become a way for "cheaters" to meet their targets. We want them to clean up their energy sector and their industry as part of their commitment.

Solution

But countries in South America, Africa and the Pacific do not have enough of their own money to protect these large tracts of tropical forests.

The Forests for Climate is a proposal that keeps forests safe and encourages developed countries to really cut carbon dioxide at home.

Forests for Climate lets developed countries meet overall targets and provides fair and accountable way to fund global forest protection.

Click here for the Greenpeace Forests for Climate fact sheet,

You might also want to check out the Greenpeace China Forests campaign.