No forest left behind
2007

No Forest Left Behind

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gustavo A. B. da Fonseca, Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, Guy Midgley, Jonah Busch, Lee Hannah, Russell A. Mittermeier

Primary Institution: Conservation International

Hypothesis

Slowing tropical deforestation may play a much larger role in mitigating climate change than previously believed.

Conclusion

HFLD countries need incentives to maintain low deforestation rates to effectively contribute to climate change mitigation.

Supporting Evidence

  • Carbon emissions from tropical deforestation are expected to increase atmospheric CO2 concentration significantly.
  • HFLD countries could be left with little potential for RED credits under current proposals.
  • Preventive credits could provide a significant incentive for HFLD countries to maintain low deforestation rates.

Takeaway

Some countries have a lot of forests and don't cut them down much. We need to help them keep it that way to fight climate change.

Limitations

Introducing more carbon credits could lower their price, weakening incentives for countries with high deforestation rates.

Participant Demographics

HFLD countries with forest cover greater than 50% and low deforestation rates.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pbio.0050216

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