How can the clearing of the rainforest be stopped?

The results of the internationally agreed targets to slow global warming are sobering: the goal formulated at the 2015 Paris Climate Conference to limit global warming to 1.5°C if possible, but at least below 2°C, can hardly be achieved. Most experts and politicians agree that the results of this year’s UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt, are anything but sufficient.

And when it comes to forest protection, there has also been more regression than progress. While at last year’s COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, over 140 nations with over 90% of the world’s forest areas agreed on a joint forest and land use declaration, forest protection was only a marginal topic this year. There is a lack of concrete cost calculations and binding measures.

One billion for the forest is not enough

The German government wants to provide one billion euros more for forest protection measures by 2025. However, if you compare this seemingly large sum with the calculations of a recently published evaluation on the progress of forest protection, this can only be a start. It is estimated that it would cost up to 460 billion US dollars per year to halt global forest loss and restore the forest areas that have already been destroyed.

But why is the rainforest being cleared on a large scale? Besides international agreements, what can be done to stop deforestation? Or is it already too late to intervene?

Soy and cows are the main drivers of deforestation

More than 420 million hectares have been lost since 1990. Perhaps surprisingly for some, it is not the timber industry but agriculture that is the main driver of deforestation. The conversion of forest land into agricultural land is the main reason for the vast majority of deforestation. Soy, maize and livestock farming are displacing the rainforest.

Using the forest sustainably without endangering its existence therefore means protecting it. Only when the forest itself has a value as an existing forest does it not have to make way for agricultural land. This is precisely Betterwood’s claim: Protect through sustainable use. The purchase of long-lasting tropical wood from proven sustainable forestry systems supports local forest protection in South America. Companies and consumers in cooperation with certification associations such as the FSCcan already make a decisive difference in the development of global warming – even if international, politically agreed targets are not met.

Amazon on the brink?

It’s not too late: the Amazon is not yet at the tipping point. Countries such as Indonesia, Venezuela and Malaysia have high deforestation rates, but also recognize the global importance of forests. The change of government in Brazil can also give cause for optimism with regard to forest protection. Brazil, Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have now joined forces against illegal forest destruction. This is a hopeful sign, as these are the three most important rainforest countries in the world that want to take united action against corruption and are committed to establishing sustainable forestry systems. Consumers who pay attention to sustainably certified origin have a direct influence on the protection of forest resources.