Protecting Forests

We are at risk of losing our forests. With the demand of fresh land wanted for agriculture, development, and mining, forests have been disappearing at an alarming rate. Our governments need to protect our forests in order to keep them from disappearing. Click here to learn more about the dangers of deforestation.

Why Should We Protect Forests?

Forests offer many benefits to the environment and to use. Thes include (PEFC):

• Mitigating Climate Change. Through photosynthesis and other processes, forests capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it into their trunks for hundreds of years
• Protection Against Natural Disasters. Forests also aid in protection against natural disasters. They can [act] as barriers against heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds [and] they help control or reduce the risk of soil erosion, landslides, and avalanches (PEFC)
• Biodiversity. Forests are home to about 80 percent of the world's land-based animals and plants (PEFC)
• Water Cycle Participation. Forests absorb water after it rains and re-releases the water afterwards, a key part of the global water cycle that without which would lead to increased drough tand desertification
• Livelihoods. Forests are a major contributor to the livelihoods of people. In fact, it is estimated that 1.6 billion people's livelihoods are aided by forests, with 600 million of them fully dependent on them

What Should We Do?

• Reduce wildfire risk. Removing wildfire fuel or controlled and prescribed burns can be used to reduce wildfire spread. Also, consider weather conditions that may increase the likelihood of a wildfire. (EPA)
• Limit the spread of invasive species and pests. Pests and invasive species can damage forests by competing and pushing out native wildlife, so take steps to limit invasive pests' spread. (EPA)
• Encourage government action. Encourage your local government to institute policy creating parks, conserving forests, dismantling deforestation, and eliminating greenwashing. (TREE Foundation)
  Examples of national policies that help protect forests are:
  • Plant Protection Act—prevents the introduction or spread of forest pests (NASF)
  • Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIRFA)—regulates chemical use in forests (NASF)
  • Endangered Species Act of 1973—helps protect and recover endangered species (NASF)
  • Clean Water Act of 1972—regulatesquality of water and addresses water pollution (NASF)
  • Lacey Act—addresses illegally obtained plant products (NASF)
  • Clean Air Act of 1973—requires federal agencies to protecct air quality and address air pollution (NASF)
  • Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act of 1937—directs the Secretary of Agriculture (head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture) to establish a program that addresses soil erosion, deforestation, and harming wildlife (Forest Service)
• Plant trees. Rebuilding forests and degrading ecosystem is key to helping the environment. (TREE Foundation)
• Support forest conservation organizations. Donate to a conservation charity, or volunteer for a forest nonprofit. (TREE Foundation)
• Learn about forests. The more you know about forests, the more you can help. (TREE Foundation)
• Inspire others to take action. Multiple people can make a larger impact than just one person. (TREE Foundation)
• Buy forest-friendly products. Avoid buying beef, soy, or uncertified products. Instead, look for certifications from groups such as the Rainforest Alliance, Forest Stewardship Council, or the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. (TREE Foundation)
• Advocate for climate change solutions. Work to reduce your own carbon footprint, and campaign for eco-friendly solutions. (TREE Foundation)
• Choose a forest-friendly diet. Avoid eating or buying products made with beef, palm oil, or soy, as beef, palm oil, and soy are responsible for 60% of tropical deforestation (Rainforest Foundation).
• Support Indigenous peoples. Many Indigenous people depend on forests for their survival. Learn about their history and culture, buy Indigenous products, and share their stories on social media to amplify their voices. (Rainforest Foundation)
• Use social media to spread awareness. (Rainforest Foundation)
• Help fund for sustainable practices. (WWF)

References: PEFC, EPA, TREE Foundation, Rainforest Foundation, World Wildlife fund (WWF), National Association of State Foresters (NASF), U.S. Forest Service