Over the course of human history, the earth has managed to lose more than half its forests. Ignoring this stunning feat of human destruction, this deforestation has increased carbon emissions by 15%, destroyed much of the habitat for 70% of the earth's land animals/plants, and increased the rates of soil erosion and flooding.
Source: https://texasstateaquarium.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/amazon-deforestation.jpg
The Return?
However, at recent climate talks. African countries bonded together to form the AFR100 initiative: a pledge to restore 100 million hectares (or if you have no idea how much a hectare is, 386 thousand square miles). According to Wanjira Mathai, daughter of the Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai, said that "I have seen restoration in communities both large and small across Africa, but the promise of a continent-wide movement is truly inspiring."
In addition, the World Bank and other governments have set aside more than 1.5 billion in funding for this reforestation.
Questions:
1. Considering the current global climate, how big of an issue do you think forestation is?
2. How do you feel about the prospects of this project?
Sources:
http://news10.com/2015/12/06/at-climate-talks-african-nations-pledge-to-restore-forests/
