Words by Tess Becker
Forests are essential for life on Earth in many different ways, serving as the lungs of the planet, homes for most species, and even as lumber for our homes and construction. According to the UN, forests cover 31% of the Earth’s land, contain over 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, and store more carbon than the entire atmosphere.
This week they’ve convened for the United Nations Forum on Forestry to discuss ways to protect this important ecosystem.
“Forests are one of Earth’s most valuable ecosystems,” said Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for UN Economic and Social Affairs, at the opening session of the forum. “They also form a vital social and safety net for some communities that rely on forests for food and income.”
Over 1.6 billion people directly rely on forests for their existence. That figure doesn’t take into account all the indirect benefits of forests, such as medicine.
“Forests offer solutions,” Forum Chair Zéphyrin Maniratanga said, highlighting how forests can be useful for preventing desertification, land degradation, and climate change.
The problem is how much forested land we’re losing each year - enough to cover the entire Republic of Korea. This summit hopes to mitigate this tragic loss.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Beacon Food Forest. This is one of the largest food forests in the country. Find out more and support them here.
Cultural Survival. They are an indigenous-led nonprofit focused on empowering indigenous Americans and helping the planet. Find out more.
American Forests. A conservation organization focused on preserving and protecting American forests. Support them here.
