Copenhagen ‘fails forest people’

By Mark Kinver. Science and environment reporter, BBC News.

A multi-billion dollar deal tabled at the Copenhagen climate summit could lead to conflicts in forest-rich nations, a report has warned.

The study by the Rights and Resources Initiative said the funds could place “unprecedented pressure” on some areas.

Six nations offered $3.5bn as part of global plans to cut deforestation, which accounts for about 20% of all emissions from human activity.

Campaigners warn the scheme fails to consider the rights of forest people.

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More than half world’s science academies support call to save rainforests

mongabay.com

More than half world’s science academies have signed a statement supporting a plan to save tropical forests as a means to fight climate change, reports the Global Canopy Program, an initiative that has worked closely with Prince Charles to promote rainforest conservation.

The statement argues that tropical forest protection is a critical strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the next 15-20 years. It calls upon world leaders to reach a consensus on a path forward for a funding package that would support the infrastructure needed to develop an effective reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) mechanism.

“There can be no solution to climate change without addressing deforestation,” reads the statement. “Deforestation must be addressed now, not later, if we are to meet an 80% CO2 reduction target by 2050.”

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