We can only stop climate change if we protect our forests. You can help make that happen.
URGENT FOREST PROTECTION MEASURES: Climate change can't be stopped if we continue to destroy our forests. That means we need to protect the land where mature and old growth trees thrive–and we need you to help make that happen.
Supporter,
Every day that goes by pushes us closer to the 1.5C limit that scientists have warned is the point of no return for climate change. The global community is working to curb carbon emissions dramatically, trying to leave fossil fuels behind and invest in a clean energy future. But reducing carbon emissions isn't enough.
To have any hope of fighting climate change, we must protect our forests. Forests–especially mature and old growth trees–are the key to pulling legacy carbon emissions from the atmosphere that have lingered for the last 200 years. The oldest of our nation's forests can store large amounts of carbon for centuries. But they can't help us if we continue to destroy our forests and public lands.
We've launched a Climate Forests campaign to fight for the preservation of these old-growth forests, alongside our campaigns to curb carbon emissions. We're working to stop fossil fuel exploration on our public lands and waters by protecting 30% of public lands by 2030. And we're pushing Congress to fight for communities under threat from climate change and toxic pollution. That's why we need your help.
How important is protecting forests? Of the human-caused global CO2 emissions since 1870,
26 percent is due to emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
We’ve already lost as much as 95% of primary forests (those that have never been logged) in the United States. And the impact is staggering: One study found that 65% of the carbon from Oregon forests logged over the past 115 years remains in the atmosphere. If New England forests were allowed to grow older, they could store from two to four times the amount of carbon as their current levels.
What’s more, protecting forests isn’t only a carbon issue–it directly impacts communities across the country. In the U.S., forests are our largest source of drinking water. Mature and old growth forest watersheds protect both drinking water quality and quantity. And bigger, older trees tend to be naturally more resistant to fire.
To fully address the threat of climate change, we must also transform our economy, fully decarbonize the electricity sector, and stop fossil fuel production. But nature has given us a vital tool with old growth forests. It’s up to us to protect them – and all of our public lands. Please say you’re with us, Supporter.
