Ecosystem services provided by nature that are good for humans have been considered free benefits, but we are in danger of losing them. In 2023, the world’s natural carbon sinks, including forests and oceans, collapsed compared to previous years. Extreme heat, drought and wildfires in the Amazon and Canada have severely weakened the ecosystem’s ability to absorb CO2. The Earth’s climate is in crisis and may never recover.
According to the findings Pre-published researchThe planet’s carbon absorption capacity has reached its lowest point since measurements began. In many regions, carbon uptake has fallen by almost half. This decline is surprising because it shows how vulnerable Earth’s natural systems are to human-driven climate change.
“This result is surprising because temperatures will continue to maintain very high values in 2024,” the study authors wrote. “It is too early to conclude that land sinks will permanently collapse in the aftermath of 2023. However, given that it takes about 100 years for Boral trees to fully recover, forests burned in Canada will not fully recover their carbon stores for another few decades. Recover initial biomass.”
The study also demonstrated that the Amazon may recover more quickly from drought than forests in the Northern Hemisphere. However, the researchers reported that “forest resilience in the Amazon is decreasing over time.” They are not confident that South America’s massive rainforests will remain long-term reservoirs of atmospheric carbon.
How You Can Help Reduce Deforestation
As individuals, we can feel helpless when faced with global problems. But each of us can take steps to reduce our contribution to deforestation. European Union introduction in 2023 Regulation of deforestation-free products Companies must prove that their products and packaging do not come from deforested land or contribute to new forest clearing anywhere in the world. As companies adjust to continue selling in Europe, the information they provide will help consumers everywhere identify products and packaging that are free of deforestation. Hear how GS1 is collaborating with Wholechain, the global non-profit organization that manages the Universal Product Code barcode. Working together to track deforestation In the beef supply chain.
Fortunately, there will be more information available to help you make an informed decision about the product. Choosing deforestation-free options when shopping can help protect boreal forests, mangrove forests along the coast, and the Amazon, which are important for absorbing CO2 and maintaining biodiversity.
Choose certified sustainable products
One of the simplest steps you can take is to find a product that has the following features: Forest Management Council (FSC) certification ensures that wood, paper, or other forest-derived products come from responsibly managed forests. FSC sets standards to protect forests from overexploitation, illegal logging and logging practices that lead to deforestation.
FSC has launched a search service to help consumers find companies and products that currently hold certification. Although it is not a completely intuitive tool, FSC Search It represents a much-needed step toward transparency.
Accept recycled or alternative materials
Recycling reduces demand for natural wood and other materials associated with deforestation. Take the time to research products made from recycled paper or choose an alternative made from recycled paper. Sustainable materials such as bamboo, hemp or cork. For example, bamboo grows quickly and Harvest the plants without killing them. In addition to its use in paper, bamboo is a great alternative to hardwood in flooring, furniture, and other products.
Reduce meat and palm oil consumption
Deforestation is often the result of agricultural expansion. In the tropics, vast areas of rainforest are still being cleared to make way for beef production and palm oil plantations.
Beef consumption can be reduced to prevent deforestation. Choose plant-based alternatives. Likewise, look for certified products and choose sustainably sourced palm oil. Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification.
Supporting brands with an ethical supply chain
More companies are adopting zero deforestation policies to ensure their products do not contribute to forest loss. Research and support brands that are committed to transparency and sustainable sourcing practices. Many products, including soybeans, coffee, chocolate and palm oil, are adopting sustainable certification programs and labels.
Voting with your wallet can help more companies adopt deforestation-free policies in their supply chains and create a sustainable market for products. The scale of deforestation and its impact on the Earth’s carbon sinks may seem overwhelming, but the choices we make as consumers can have a real impact.
Learning about sustainable practices can help you reduce your consumption of products linked to deforestation. You can contribute to preserving forests, which play an important role in the long-term recovery of nature 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 Earth’s climate. Now is the time to make small changes that add up to big solutions.
