More Trees Cut Down in 2022 Despite Promises to Save Them

But it’s not just deforestation that’s a problem, Matson points out. In regions like North America and Europe, the forests that are still there are getting worse because of things like wildfires and partial logging.

“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.

However, the assessment does have some good news. More than 50 countries are on the right path to stop cutting down their forests by 2030. For example, Indonesia and Malaysia are seeing less and less deforestation.

The WWF report asks for more action. Governments should stop supporting activities that cause deforestation and start supporting activities that help forests.

Matson mentions that there’s unused farmland in Brazil that could be made productive with some investment, which would reduce the need to cut down more forest.

Trade changes are also necessary. The report suggests that products like beef, timber, palm oil, and soy should only be allowed for export if they come from sources that are sustainable.

The European Union has put in place some rules this year to cut down on the import of products that harm the environment. However, Darragh Conway at Climate Focus believes that more actions are necessary to make sure that products banned in the EU are not just sent to other places.

Mike Barrett disagrees with putting the burden on consumers to figure out if the things they buy are forest-friendly. He thinks governments should make sure that products causing deforestation can’t be sold.

“We should be able to buy any products in the UK knowing that they are deforestation free. That’s not too much to ask. That needs to happen now.”

Additionally, there’s a need to respect the rights of Indigenous people when it comes to their land. According to Mary Gagen at WWF-UK, who co-authored the report, Indigenous peoples are the best guardians of forests.

This report is the first of its kind on a global scale, outlining how we can save our forests. Gagen says, “It lays out, for the first time, the steps to stop destroying forests, fulfill international commitments, and bring our forests back to life.”