Why the Rainforests Could Cost us the Earth

If we are to have any chance of keeping the global average temperature increase below two degrees, then it is essential that the world find a way to stop the continuing clearance of the tropical rainforests -- and fast.

More than six million hectares is cleared each year and is causing billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide to be released. While many people are now aware of the impacts caused by cars, power stations and planes in causing climate-changing pollution, there is lower awareness about the need to conserve the remaining rainforests. A viral video produced by the Prince's Rainforests Project aims to help fill this gap and to mobilize public support for action. It does a good job in delivering a powerful message while also the means for everyone to make a positive difference.

If enough people see this video, and then go to the website to signal their support for action, then perhaps world leaders will in the weeks ahead be more persuaded to put in place a properly funded response that can help the developing countries value their forests as worth more alive than dead. Most of the incentives they have right now encourage clearing the forests, not conserving them. Changing that will require top level political leadership.

This short viral video can make a contribution toward delivering that. The more people who see it and act on it, the more likely it will be that we'll get the response the world needs.

 

Comments

[CKWR]

08:04 AM on 12/01/2009

Email:
[e-mail] for pdf copies of the Green Standard Forest Conservation Carbon Credit programme.

Appointed to the advisory board of Carbon Credited Farming CCF.

Development Policy Analysis Specialist with extensive integrated knowledge of Climate Change Policy, Conservation, sub tropical zone agriculture, bio fuels, biorefinery technologies, aviation & marine transport industry logistics and tourism. Internationally recognized researcher/presenter and expert on non food oil seed crops, biomass resource management. Senior Consultant to National Government, International Agency and Multi-National incorporations. Founder/Owner of KBC-JCL, engaged with multinational research into the development of Bio Jet Fuel.

CCF PLC is the administrator and architect of the GREEN STANDARD Forest Conservation Carbon Credit programme. This programme was built to make the carbon market work by monetizing forestry projects synergistically with Governments and stakeholders, with the return in value for the buyer and a large forward scaled benefit for the planet and people going forwards. CCF welcomes all oversight or approaches from countries, companies and individuals which can help with this programme and make it into a truly global enterprise by the people for the people and the planet.



Dr Clive Richardson (Advisory Board Member). Carbon Credited Farming Plc Web: www.carboncreditedfarming.com
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[CKWR]

08:04 AM on 12/01/2009

There are several good reasons why MORE THAN an interim solution is needed: (i) REDD+ is a vanishing opportunity: In the time it is likely to take before all details on REDD+ can be fleshed out, a PROACTIVE simplified interim REDD+ at scale represents the largest mitigation potential of any sector. Every month more than 1 million hectares of tropical forests are irreversibly lost, resulting in the release of more greenhouse gases than the monthly emissions of the entire European Union; (ii) scaling-up REDD+ takes time: addressing deforestation on a national level requires significant structural changes, and the development of a fully functional international REDD+ scheme under UNFCCC could require several years; (iii)early action is a catalyst: taking IMMEDIATE action can deliver significant emission reductions within a few years, and will accelerate the introduction of a full REDD+ scheme under UNFCCC by providing valuable lessons at local, national and international levels; (iv) it is DOABLE: there is sufficient knowledge and consensus on the principles of an interim solution that no fundamental hurdles stand in the way of interim action becoming operational QUICKLY – assuming there is the political will to do so; and (v) developing forest countries are willing to act now: the developing forest countries in the Informal Working Group hold approximately two thirds of all tropical forests. They have all shown their willingness to act now to save the world’s forests, and this is an opportunity that must be grasped.

[CKWR]

08:03 AM on 12/01/2009

Dear RainforestSOS, Asalaam alikum;"peace be with you"

Earlier this year HRH The Prince of Wales on 1st April 2009 hosted the historic ‘Emergency Package for Tropical Forests' at St James's. Following on from this our professional team and advisors have established the "GREEN STANDARD Forest Conservation Carbon Credit programme". As we now move towards COP15 we feel confident that this ideology requires to be representative of HRH's sentiments and seen to be much more than an interim solution. Rather a working towards further improvement through practice. With this communication we are requesting that the International forestry community review the Green Standard with a view to adopting the same as a benchmarking practice that can begin to lead the way forward. We will be delighted with all and any feedback and excited to be able to add value to the over all IFC objectives.

[sheila]

06:11 PM on 11/10/2009

Are you aware that the desert habitat of the Mojave sequesters as much CO2 as temperate forests? Yet, deserts in general, and the Mojave in particular are under extreme threat so that Chevron, BP, Goldman Sachs, Pickens and other Big Energy mercenaries can continue their monopolistic chokehold over us in a "renewable" energy era. Big Solar, Big Wind, Big Transmission - all of these projects will permanently destroy over 50 million more acres of US wilderness if allowed to proceed. Meanwhile, we could easily produce 100% of the electricity we need from PV on existing rooftops in the built environment, per the DOE...

So, by all means, save the rainforests, but while you are at it, save the Mojave, too, which is right here, and which is about to be totally destroyed by Big Solar...

There are point of use solutions which are democratic, clean, affordable and which don't destroy our CO2 sequestering ecosystems. Please be clear that those are the only "renewable energy" policies you will support. Thank you!