Report published by UN Environment Programme (UNEP) reveals major gaps in forest protection, management, and restoration in current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

• NDCs embody efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to impacts of climate change. They are updated every five years, starting from 2020.

Key Findings 

• An average of 5.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent was emitted from tropical deforestation per year between 2019 and 2023 for top 20 countries.
• Only 8 countries include explicit quantified targets to reduce deforestation and all fall short of global ambition to halt deforestation by 2030.
• Only 38% of Parties to UNFCCC include measures to reduce conversion of forests and other ecosystems.

Drivers of Deforestation

• Agriculture: It is a major cause of deforestation. e.g., Deforestation rates in Indonesia are linked to fluctuations in market prices of oil palm.
• Land-use policies: Lack of effective and enforced land-use policies. e.g., High deforestation rates in Brazilian Amazon attributed to reduction in environmental policies.

Key Recommendations

• NDC targets should be designed with inclusivity, considering diverse needs and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
• Emphasize on retaining primary forests rather than replacing them with planted forests.
• Strengthening, enhancing & aligning forest-based measures mentioned in NDCs and clearly defined national policies.