The Sustainable Development Goals need forests

Summary

Forests are crucial for the well-being of our planet, covering one-third of the Earth's land and supporting over a billion people globally. They provide resources such as timber, food, and medicine, while also offering vital environmental benefits, like absorbing CO2 and supplying freshwater. Forests enrich urban spaces, offer sustainable job opportunities, and protect against natural disasters. By managing forests sustainably, we ensure a greener economy and a healthier planet, proving that forests are indispensable for life on Earth and sustainable development.

Takeaways

• 😀 Forests cover one-third of all land on Earth and are vital to our global ecosystem.
• 😀 Over one billion women rely on forests for their livelihoods, supporting families and communities.
• 😀 Forests provide essential resources such as timber, food, fuel, and medicine to more than a third of the world's population.
• 😀 Well-managed forests help generate income that enables families to afford food, healthcare, and education for their children.
• 😀 Urban forests contribute to better cities by providing cool, clean air and healthy spaces to relax.
• 😀 Using forests sustainably can contribute to a greener economy, as wood is a renewable resource with a smaller ecological footprint compared to alternatives like plastic and concrete.
• 😀 A wood-based economy creates new job opportunities both in rural areas and cities.
• 😀 When local and indigenous communities have secure rights to forests, they can build businesses that benefit everyone.
• 😀 Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing 2.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually.
• 😀 Forests protect vital ecosystems, supplying 75% of the world's accessible freshwater and safeguarding coastlines and lands from natural disasters.

Q & A

What role do forests play in the global ecosystem?

Forests cover one-third of the Earth's land and are vital to the global ecosystem, providing timber, food, fuel, and medicine for over a third of the world's population.

How do forests support women and children?

One billion women rely on forests for their livelihoods, helping support their families and communities. Children benefit from well-managed forests because they provide income that helps families afford food, healthcare, and education.

What are the benefits of forests in urban areas?

In cities, forests provide clean, cool air and offer healthy spaces for relaxation and recreation. They improve the quality of life for city dwellers and contribute to environmental well-being.

How can forests contribute to a greener economy?

Forests can contribute to a greener economy by offering renewable wood products, which have a smaller ecological footprint compared to alternatives like plastic and concrete. This supports sustainable economic growth.

What is the potential of a wood-based economy?

A wood-based economy can create new and better jobs both in urban and rural areas, driving economic development while ensuring sustainability through renewable resources.

How do secure rights to forests benefit local and indigenous communities?

When local and indigenous communities have secured rights to their forests, they can establish businesses that not only benefit their own communities but also contribute to the broader economy.

How do forests protect the environment?

Forests play a key role in environmental protection by absorbing 2.6 billion tons of CO2 annually, safeguarding watersheds that provide freshwater, and preventing erosion and flooding, especially in coastal and inland areas.

What percentage of the world’s accessible freshwater is supplied by forested watersheds?

Forested watersheds supply 75% of the world's accessible freshwater, which is essential for drinking, agriculture, and various industrial uses.

What role do forests play in mitigating climate change?

Forests help mitigate climate change by absorbing a significant amount of CO2. Specifically, they absorb around 2.6 billion tons of CO2 every year, which helps offset the carbon emissions from fossil fuel burning.

Why is forest sustainability crucial for the future of life on Earth?

Sustainable forest management is essential because forests support biodiversity, provide critical ecosystem services, and contribute to human well-being. They are fundamental for both environmental health and sustainable development.