Ecosystem services that nature provides humans have been treated as free benefits, but we are at risk of losing them. In 2023, the world’s natural carbon sinks, including forests and oceans, will collapse compared to the previous year. Extreme heat, drought, and wildfires in the Amazon and Canada have significantly weakened the ability of these ecosystems to absorb carbon dioxide. Earth’s climate is in crisis and may never recover.
According to the survey results, Previously published researchEarth’s carbon absorption capacity has reached its lowest point since measurements began. In some regions, carbon uptake has been reduced by almost half. This decline is concerning because it shows how vulnerable Earth’s natural systems are to human-induced climate change.
“This result is concerning because temperatures will continue to remain very high in 2024,” the study authors wrote. “It is too early to conclude that land subsidence will permanently disrupt the aftermath of 2023. However, given that it will take about 100 years for petiole trees to recover, burned forests in Canada will remain Recovering the initial biomass will not fully restore carbon stocks over a decade. ”
The study also explains that the Amazon can recover from drought faster than forests in the Northern Hemisphere. However, the researchers reported that “forest resilience is decreasing over time in the Amazon.” They have no confidence that South America’s vast rainforests will remain long-term stores of atmospheric carbon.
How can you help reduce deforestation?
As individuals, we can feel powerless in the face of global problems. But each of us can take action to reduce our contribution to deforestation. European Union implementation in 2023 Deforestation-free product regulations Requires companies to certify that their products and packaging are not sourced from deforested land or contribute to new deforestation anywhere in the world. As companies adjust to continue selling in Europe, the information they provide will help consumers identify deforestation-free products and packaging everywhere. Hear the relationship between Wholechain and GS1, the global nonprofit organization that manages the Universal Product Code barcode. Working together to track deforestation in the beef supply chain.
Fortunately, more information is becoming available to help you make informed decisions about products. Choosing deforestation-free options when shopping helps protect boreal forests, coastal mangrove forests, and the Amazon, which are essential for absorbing CO2 and maintaining biodiversity.
Choose products that are certified sustainable
One of the simplest actions is forest management council (FSC) Certification. We ensure that our wood, paper and other forest-based products come from responsibly managed forests. FSC sets standards to protect forests from overexploitation, illegal logging, and clear-cutting practices that lead to deforestation.
FSC has launched a search service to help consumers find currently certified companies and products. Although it’s not a completely intuitive tool, FSC search This represents a much-needed step towards transparency.
Recycle or use alternative materials
Recycling reduces the demand for virgin wood and other materials that lead to deforestation. Take the time to research products made from recycled paper or choose products made from alternative papers. Sustainable materials such as bamboo, hemp and cork. For example, bamboo grows quickly; You can harvest without killing the plants. In addition to its use as paper, bamboo is an excellent alternative to hardwoods used in flooring, furniture, and other products.
Reduce meat and palm oil consumption
Deforestation often occurs as a result of agricultural land expansion. In the tropics, large tracts of rainforest are still being cleared to make room for beef production and palm oil plantations.
Beef consumption can be reduced to prevent deforestation. Choose plant-based alternatives. Similarly, to choose sustainably sourced palm oil, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Certification.
Support your brand with an ethical supply chain
More companies are adopting zero-deforestation policies and working to ensure that their products do not contribute to forest loss. Do your research and support brands that are committed to transparency and sustainable sourcing practices. Many products, including soy, coffee, chocolate and palm oil, have adopted sustainable certification programs and labels.
By voting with your wallet, you can encourage more companies to adopt deforestation-free policies in their supply chains and help create a market for sustainable products. The scale of deforestation and its impact on the Earth’s carbon sinks may seem overwhelming, but our choices as consumers can have a measurable impact.
By learning about sustainable practices, you can reduce your consumption of products associated with deforestation. We can help conserve forests, which play an important role in nature’s long-term recovery from the damage caused by climate change.
Each of us has the power to drive demand for sustainable products and protect the ecosystems that help regulate the Earth’s climate. It’s time to make small changes that add to the larger solution.
