UN report warns of narrowing window to restore world's forests

The short version

• A United Nations report warns that global efforts to restore damaged forests are failing to keep pace with land degradation and clearing.[The Guardian]
• Although countries and initiatives pledged to restore more than 1 billion hectares over the last two decades, barely 20% of that area is actively undergoing restoration.[The Guardian]
• More than 489 million hectares of forest have been cleared since 1990, while annual fires affect another 127 million hectares alongside damage from weather and pests.[The Guardian]
• The UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that fully restoring 1 billion hectares could deliver $1.8 trillion in annual benefits for food security and rural economies.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• Over 489 million hectares of forest have been cleared worldwide since 1990.[The Guardian]
• Only about 20% of the more than 1 billion hectares pledged for restoration over the past two decades is actively being restored.[The Guardian]
• Forests cover 4.14 billion hectares, store 714 gigatonnes of carbon, and host up to 80% of terrestrial biodiversity.[The Guardian]
• Fires impact approximately 127 million hectares of forest every year.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• UN warns of ‘narrowing window’ to restore world’s forestsThe Guardian - Environment