FORESTS are vital for our wellbeing, according to United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon. In a message for the first International Day of Forests on March 21, he said forests cover nearly a third of the globe and provide an invaluable variety of social, economic and environmental benefits.More than 3-billion people use wood for fuel; about 2-billion people depend on forests for sustenance and income, and 750-million live within them.However, he noted that forests are often at the frontlines of competing demands. By proclaiming the International Day of Forests, the UN has created a new platform to raise awareness about the importance of all types of forest ecosystems to sustainable development worldwide.Forests are central to combating climate change. They store more carbon than is in the atmosphere. However, as weather patterns alter due to climate change, many forested areas are increasingly vulnerable, which underlines the urgency of a global, inclusive, legally-binding clim...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.