Published by World Economic Forum. Written by Jad Daley, President and CEO at American Forests, and Justin Adams, Executive Director at Tropical Forest Alliance.
We need more trees. They are key to tackling the climate crisis andsupporting countless unique types of animals and plants. They’re also vital to jobs, business and our health.
Image: REUTERS/Pilar Olivares, World Economic Forum
In the US alone, forests currently capture 15% of the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels. We believe there’s an opportunity to double this. Trees absorb air pollutants, which helps prevent up to 670,000 cases of asthma and other acute respiratory symptoms annually in the US. Research has shown that, for every million dollars invested in forest restoration in the US, 40 new jobs are created. Globally, the sustainable management of forests could create $230 billion in business opportunities and 16 million jobs worldwide by 2030.
“Trees are key to tackling the climate crisis and supporting animals and plants. They’re also vital to jobs, business and our health.”
Too often, we have neglected them. But it’s clear that a future with more forests is key to the resilience of our economy, people and our planet.
Fortunately, across the world, people are embracing the power of trees to address social inequalities, the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.
Read the full article from World Economic Forum.