The world is going “in the wrong direction” on forests, say campaigners. But some countries have reduced deforestation rates, and actions such as trade reform could yet turn the tide
, released a report setting out what needs to be done to halt deforestation. It calls for countries to end harmful subsidies and change international trade systems to stop the sale of products linked to deforestation.
“We hardly ever talk about the fact that forests in these regions, and in every world region, are not just being cleared, but where they are still standing, they’re losing carbon, losing their structural integrity, losing biodiversity year after year,” says Matson.. More than 50 countries are on track to end deforestation within their borders by 2030. For instance, rates of deforestation continue to fall in Indonesia and Malaysia.