Deforestation and Climate Change

May 18, 2007 · Filed Under climate change 

Deforestation has been known as a major cause of the increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere for a long time, but incredibly it just gets worse. In The Independent of 14th May 07, Daniel Howden reports, “The accelerating destruction of the rainforests that form a precious cooling band around the Earth’s equator, is now being recognised as one of the main causes of climate change…Â Â the rampant slashing and burning of tropical forests is second only to the energy sector as a source of greenhouse gases according to a report published by the Oxford based Global Canopy Programme, an alliance of leading rainforest scientists.

Figures from the GCP, summarising the latest findings from the United Nations, and building on estimates contained in the Stern Report, show deforestation accounts for up to 25% of global emissions of heat-trapping gases, while transport and industry account for 14% each; and aviation makes up only 3% of the total…

International demand has driven intensive agriculture, logging and ranching that has proved an inexorable force for deforestation; conservation has been no match for commerce. The leading rainforest scientists are now calling for the immediate inclusion of standing forests in internationally regulated carbon markets that could provide cash incentives to halt this disastrous process…..”

Deforestation has been known as a major cause of the increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere for a long time, but incredibly it just gets worse. In The Independent of 14th May 07, Daniel Howden reports, “The accelerating destruction of the rainforests that form a precious cooling band around the Earth’s equator, is now being recognised as one of the main causes of climate change… the rampant slashing and burning of tropical forests is second only to the energy sector as a source of greenhouse gases according to a report published by the Oxford based Global Canopy Programme, an alliance of leading rainforest scientists.

Figures from the GCP, summarising the latest findings from the United Nations, and building on estimates contained in the Stern Report, show deforestation accounts for up to 25% of global emissions of heat-trapping gases, while transport and industry account for 14% each; and aviation makes up only 3% of the total…

International demand has driven intensive agriculture, logging and ranching that has proved an inexorable force for deforestation; conservation has been no match for commerce. The leading rainforest scientists are now calling for the immediate inclusion of standing forests in internationally regulated carbon markets that could provide cash incentives to halt this disastrous process…..”

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