Deforestation

Deforestation is a crucial part of climate change and accounts for 17% of global emissions – more than the emissions from the transport sector.

 

If forests are not included in a Copenhagen deal then we stand stand no chance of avoiding dangerous climate change. With a deal on deforestation looking now closer than ever, the UK Government is optimistic.

 

Prince of Wales Rainforest Coalition

 

Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, spoke today(November 19) at a Prince of Wales deforestation event, where he said:

 

'A deal in Copenhagen on curbing the devastation of global deforestation is now closer than it’s ever been. And that means that a comprehensive deal at Copenhagen on climate change is also achievable.'

 

'The clear message from rainforest countries – such as Brazil and Indonesia and Guyana– is that they are serious about tackling this global blight, and the onus now falls on the developed world to help make this deal happen.'

 

'The Prince of Wales has brought the key players together today – showing that there is a global will to succeed. Our energy must now be focused on closing this deal.'

 

UK and rainforests nations

 

For forest nations, the slowing of deforestation is key to managing climate change. Brazil has already committed to a 80% reduction in illegal deforestation in the Amazon by 2020, with a combination of national and international support. Earlier this year, Ed Miliband visited Brazil to discuss forests issues.

 

In Indonesia, 85% of Indonesian emissions are from deforestation and peat fires and decay. Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Joan Ruddock, is currently in Indonesia, also discussing forest issues.

 

Meanwhile in South America, Guyana, has developed a Low Carbon Development strategy with a strong focus on protecting the carbon services of its standing forest, with support from Norway of $250 million over 10 years.

 

Forests: a view from the ground

 

A tribal chief who lives deep in the heart of the Amazonian rainforest has today spoken of the threat to his way of life from deforestation. Chief Tashka of the Yawanawa tribe said climate change affected the rainforest communities wherever in the world it was caused.

 

Speaking on BBC Radio Chief Tashka said that trees in the rainforest were being chopped down by large logging and farming companies.

 

'As indigenous people were depend for 100% of our lives on the rainforest. We hunt, we fish, we build our houses and anything that happens to the rainforest affects us.'

 

'We live in the forest for immemorial times in harmony Any change that happens in the world affects us – for example climate change.'

 

'How are we going to survive in this world? We need to take care of it. The rainforest is my home and my life for future generations to keep living there'

 

His fears were echoed by environmentalist Stanley Johnson, who condemned the 'destruction' of the rainforests, both in the Amazon and in Indonesia.

 

Related links

Read our Introductory Guide to REDD – the mechanism to slow deforestation

Ed Miliband in Brazil

Joan Ruddock in Indonesia

Coalition for Rainforest Nations

Chief Taska on BBC Radio