In 2022, the amount of tropical primary forest on Earth continued to steadily decrease.
In 2022, the tropical regions lost 4.1 million hectares of forest cover each minute, according to research from the World Resources Institute’s (WRI) Global Forest Watch
2.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide were released due to this forest loss, which is approximately equal to India’s annual emissions from burning fossil fuels.
Global Resources Institute
WRI is a global research organisation that focuses on six essential challenges at the nexus of environment and development viz.
- Climate
- Energy
- Food
- Forests
- Water
- Cities and transport.
- It was established in 1982.
- Headquarters: Washington, US.
- WRI measures progress on two goals
- Ending deforestation by 2030
Restoring 350 million hectares (mha) of lost and degraded forests by 2030
Global Forest Monitoring: The World Resources Institute (WRI) released the open source online application
Global Forest Watch (GFW)
 To monitor the world’s forests in almost real-time. In addition to satellite pictures, it employs a dataset compiled by the University of Maryland, Google, the US Geological Survey, and NASA to map tree cover globally. As open forest and scrub forest make up a significant portion of India’s forests, the data used by Global Forest Watch for this analysis is extremely coarse for India. Principal Forests: Primary forests are mature, naturally occurring forests that have not recently been altered. They are abundant sources of biodiversity and frequently store more carbon than typical forests. In nature, primary forest loss is almost irreversible.
Primary Findings:
- The majority of the world’s commitments relating to forests are not being met.
- To accomplish the 2030 aim, we must reduce global deforestation by at least 10% annually.
- The globe needs to expand tree cover by 22 mha each year between 2021 and 2030 in order to achieve the goal of recovering 350 mha of forests globally by 2030.
- Despite recording some improvements, there was a net loss of 100 mha in tree cover over the course of the past 20 years.
- The two nations with the greatest tropical forest coverage are Brazil and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, both of which reported resource losses in 2022.
- Between 2021 and 2022, India lost 43.9 thousand hectares of its primary humid forest.
- This is responsible for 17% of the country’s overall decline in tree cover during that time.
- Between 2021 and 2022, India lost 255 000 hectares of its tree cover.
- The overall loss of tree cover worldwide decreased by 10% in 2022.
- This comprises natural, cultivated, and secondary woods.
This decline is a direct outcome of a 28% drop in forest losses due to fires since 2021.
Importance of Forest:
Forests play a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. They are of paramount importance for various ecological, environmental, social, and economic reasons. Here are some key aspects of the importance of forests:
- Biodiversity: Forests are one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. They provide habitat and support for a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are unique and endangered. Forests are essential in maintaining biodiversity, as they act as a home and refuge for countless organisms.
- Carbon Sequestration: Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and store it as carbon. This process helps in mitigating climate change by reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Forests are often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” for their vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
- Climate Regulation: Forests influence local and global climates by regulating temperature, precipitation, and humidity levels. They create a cooling effect through transpiration, where trees release water vapor into the atmosphere. This helps to stabilize weather patterns and maintain a balanced climate.
- Watershed Protection: Forests act as natural water catchments, absorbing rainfall and preventing soil erosion. They help in maintaining the flow of rivers and streams, ensuring a stable water supply for human consumption, agriculture, and wildlife.
- Soil Conservation: The roots of trees and vegetation in forests help bind the soil, reducing the risk of landslides and soil erosion. Forests are essential for maintaining soil fertility and preventing the loss of topsoil.
- Economic Value: Forests contribute significantly to the economy through various industries, including timber, paper, and pharmaceuticals. They also support ecotourism, providing income and employment opportunities for local communities.
- Cultural and Recreational Importance: Forests have cultural significance for many indigenous communities and are often considered sacred places. They provide recreational opportunities for people to connect with nature, engage in outdoor activities, and experience the beauty of wilderness.
- Wildlife Habitat: Forests provide essential habitat for a wide range of animal species, including mammals, birds, insects, and microorganisms. Protecting and preserving forests is crucial for safeguarding biodiversity and preventing species extinction.
- Air and Water Quality: Forests play a vital role in improving air quality by filtering pollutants and particulate matter from the atmosphere. They also help in maintaining water quality by reducing runoff and filtering water before it enters rivers and lakes.
In summary, forests are essential for the health of the planet and its inhabitants. Their conservation and sustainable management are critical for addressing climate change, protecting biodiversity, ensuring a sustainable water supply, and supporting human livelihoods and well-being. It is essential for individuals, communities, and governments to work together to protect and restore forests for current and future generations.
