Finance for Forests and Climate Change

In addition to providing multiple services and goods, forests can play a key role in tackling climate change. Forestry, as defined by the IPCC accounts for around 17.4 per cent of global GHG emissions, the third largest source of anthropogenic GHG emissions after energy supply and industrial activity. Loss of tropical forest results annually in emissions which are comparable to the total annual CO2 emissions from the United States or China. Emissions from deforestation alone could increase atmospheric carbon stock by around 30 parts per million (ppm) by 2100. In order to stabilize the current CO2 e level of 433 ppm at a targeted 445-490 ppm, forests will need to form a central part of any global climate change deal.