New research by WRI's Global Forest Watch reveals alarming figures on global forest cover loss and its consequences.
Global Impact:
- Tropical areas lost 4.1 million hectares of forest cover in 2022.
- Resulted in 2.7 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Types of Forests:
- Primary Forests: Irreversible loss, high carbon storage, rich biodiversity.
- Secondary Forests: Less diverse, limited species, regrowth after deforestation.
- Planted Forests: Same species, same age, established by planting seedlings.
Global Progress:
- Overall, tree cover loss decreased by 10% in 2022.
India's Loss:
- India lost 43.9 thousand hectares of humid primary forest (2021-2022).
Conclusion:
- Urgent action needed to reduce global deforestation by 10% annually.
- Protect primary forests, restore forests, and promote sustainable management.