China's tariff on U.S. soy could drive production to South America. Without precautions, deforestation could follow.
forests
Sumatra's Leuser Ecosystem is the last place on Earth where rhinos, elephants, sun bears and orangutans live in the wild, but it's threatened by logging, road development poaching and illegal mining. Global Forest Watch works with local partner HAkA to protect this distinctive area's environment.
Cinderella’s job in the household included cleaning the ashes from the fireplace – exactly the role forests play for Earth by absorbing fossil fuels' carbon emissions. Yet much like Cinderella, forests remain underappreciated.
China, the world's largest importer and consumer of timber products, has emerged as a leader in global environmental governance. It still has an opportunity to match that leadership in global efforts to protect forests.
Small farmers could be key actors in reforming Indonesia's palm oil industry, which has been linked to child and forced labor, deforestation and the demise of iconic species like orangutans. But they can't do it without support from government and corporations.
From clean water provision to storm protection, forests provide benefits for everyone—even those who live in the concrete jungle.
Sometimes the best answer to daunting problems is the simplest one. Restoring and protecting forests today is one measure that can help prevent the water crises of tomorrow.
GLAD alerts on Global Forest Watch can spot changes in forests around the globe, showing forest regions at risk now in Indonesia, Cameroon and Brazil.
Brazil's forests are its historic first line of defense against water stress and water-related natural disasters, but now these forests are under pressure. Will Brazil increase investment in its natural infrastructure to defend against water crises?
Imagine businesses that make money by improving the land and communities around them. Imagine an economy that rewards those who nourish and restore the environment. Here's what some of those businesses look like.