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This report gives an overview of the ecosystem services provided to humanity, the effects of deforestation and its contribution to climate change, detailing the drivers, implications and potential solutions to reduce it. It is intended to act as a guide for non-specialist stakeholders addressing these issues within Governments and the private sector.

Human induced climate change is real and upon us. We cannot avoid dangerous warming without action on deforestation, which causes 18-25% of global carbon emissions – 2nd only to energy.

Forests offer the single largest opportunity for cost-effective and immediate reductions of carbon emissions. This is confirmed by the Stern Report of 2006, and the McKinsey and IPCC Reports of 2007.

It’s not just about carbon! Forests are giant global utilities, supplying humanity with vital ecosystem services such as rainfall generation and biodiversity maintenance at local, regional and global scales. International demand inexorably drives deforestation worldwide, and conservation has proven no match for commerce. Regulated carbon markets which could provide the economic incentives to halt this process currently exclude forests.

The next 18 months are critical for rainforests and climate change policy, because it is now that the G8 and United Nations are establishing their priorities in the lead up to the renegotiation of the Kyoto Protocol.

If we lose forests we lose the fight against climate change: we must act to save forests now.