The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) have reaffirmed the necessity of protecting forests in order to combat climate change and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The International Day of Forests was established to increase public awareness of the value of forests and tree planting, according to the FAO, which made the call through one of its online accounts.
The United Nations organization noted that forests are essential for maintaining biodiversity, reducing climate change, and supplying access to clean water.
“Forest is essential to regulating the world’s water cycle and supplying water to people and ecosystems, it also stores carbon and absorbs greenhouse gases, helping to mitigate climate change.
“Therefore, there is a need to protect and help in restoring forests, so that we can reap these benefits and ensure a sustainable future for all,” it said.
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The FAO further stated that adopting environmentally friendly farming practices was essential for achieving sustainable agriculture and a healthier planet.
“We need to protect the forest and its biodiversity, conserve natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this would ensure sustainable agriculture to enhance food security and improve livelihoods, especially in rural areas.
“At FAO, we are committed to promoting sustainable agriculture, we work with farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to create more sustainable food systems,” it added.
Also, according to the UNEP, forests are home to the most amazing biodiversity as they purify air and water, and they also provide food and medicine and also help mitigate climate change.
“Forests help in regulating local and regional weather patterns by releasing moisture into the atmosphere through transpiration.
“This helps to reduce the impact of droughts and floods, which are expected to become more frequent and severe with climate change.
“Therefore, protecting and restoring forests is critical to addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development.
“By mitigating climate change, they store about 45 per cent of the carbon found on land, knowing that deforestation, on the other hand, leads to climate change,” it said.
Story was adapted from Enviro News
