By OK – we know that forests trap carbon which helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. We know that planting trees and restoring forests increases the depth of this carbon trap. We know that transportation and power generation are great emitters of greenhouse gases. But have a look at this article from Daniel Howden, via The Independent, where he pulls information from research done by the Oxford-based Global Canopy Program and others to show that by preserving forests we are not only reducing atmospheric carbon, but that we are preventing the greatest CO2 emissions possible.
Deforestation: The hidden cause of global warming
In the next 24 hours, deforestation will release as much CO2 into the atmosphere as 8 million people flying from London to New York. Stopping the loggers is the fastest and cheapest solution to climate change. So why are global leaders turning a blind eye to this crisis? By Daniel Howden – Published: 14 May 2007 Online article here
The accelerating destruction of the rainforests that form a precious cooling band around the Earth’s equator, is now being recognised as one of the main causes of climate change. Carbon emissions from deforestation far outstrip damage caused by planes and automobiles and factories.
Worth a read.