A dangerous gamble with the world's forests - 20097 July 2009
Deforestation is responsible for around 18% of all greenhouse gases worldwide. We need to protect the world's forests and the people who depend on them for their livelihood.
But current proposals being pushed by rich countries in international climate change talks won't work.
A dangerous gamble
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation in Developing Countries (REDD) is a scheme designed to reduce emissions from deforestation.
The Government supports proposals for industrialised countries to use REDD to offset their emissions.
This would allow rich countries to purchase forest carbon credits from developing countries.
Failing our forests
Plans to put forests into a global carbon market:
- Threaten human rights
Indigenous peoples depend on forests for their survival. - Create a huge loophole
Rich countries could avoid reducing their own emissions.
Turtle Mountain in the Iwokrama Forest in Guyana.
More needed
The latest science shows that we won't cut emissions fast enough if we allow rich countries to offset their emissions.
We must keep forests standing and reduce our emissions at the same time.
REDD myths
Friends of the Earth International's briefing looks in detail at offset-based forest schemes.
REDD myths shows how reducing emissions through trading in offset carbon credits could cause problems for:
- People
- Biodiversity
- Our climate.
Take action
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© Simon Rawles/Friends of the Earth
