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

[sheila]

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!