Forests
Forests, areas of land dominated by tree cover, are the dominant ecosystem on the terrestrial lands of planet Earth, covering nearly a third of Earth’s landmass.
Forests provide habitat for the vast majority of the Earth’s terrestrial (land-based) biodiversity. 80% of the Earth’s amphibian species, 75% of bird species and 68% of mammal species all find habitat in Earth’s forests. In addition, mangrove forests are critical as nursery habitat for many fish species and to filter sediments and provide stability for many reef, seagrass and other marine ecosystems. Forests make up three quarters of the productivity of the Earth’s biosphere and four fifths of the Earth’s plant biomass.
Yet the degradation and loss of forests globally, through logging, clearing and agriculture, is occurring at an alarming rate.
Halting and reversing the loss and degradation of Earth’s forests and ensuring for their long-term conservation and restoration, is absolutely critical to the survival and flourishing of life on Earth.
The Amazon
The Amazon Rainforest is the largest forest ecosystem on the planet
Climate and Forests
The protection of Earth's forests is crucial to stabilise Earth's climate
The global challenge of saving Earth's forests
The protection of Earth's forests, and the restoration of those that have been degraded, is one of the critical pillars of halting the climate crisis and saving life on Earth this century.
Drivers of Deforestation in the Amazon
The big economic drivers of destruction of Amazonian rainforest, including the clearing of forest for beef to be exported to places like the U.S is explored in this compelling podcast.
The destruction of the Amazon, explained
The 2019 fires were just the tip of the iceberg.
This is Part 1 of Vox Atlas: The Amazon, a three-part series about the world's largest rainforest, why it's in jeopardy, and the people trying to save it.
Insect Apocalypse: The Stunning Decline in Insect Populations
Insects are essential for human existance. Dr. Francisco Sanchez-Bayo explains that, if current trends persist, insects could be essentially wiped out within 100 years.