A recent report from the United Nations has highlighted a critical opportunity to restore forests that are vital for ensuring food security and combating climate change. The document points to a “narrowing window” for action in this regard.
Since 1990, over 489 million hectares (1.2 billion acres) of forests have been lost, with an even larger area suffering degradation. The UN is urging governments to prioritize forest restoration as a key national agenda.
The State of the World’s Forests report recognizes some progress in tree protection and planting efforts globally; however, it emphasizes that these initiatives have not kept pace with the promises made. Despite commitments over the last twenty years to restore more than 1 billion hectares of land, only about 20% of that area has seen actual restoration, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which states, “Progress is uneven and insufficient to meet escalating global demands.”
Forests, which span approximately 4.14 billion hectares (roughly one-third of the Earth’s terrestrial surface), sequester 714 gigatonnes of carbon and are home to nearly 80% of the planet’s terrestrial biodiversity. They also play a crucial role in regulating precipitation patterns and alleviating hunger, with nearly one-third of the global population relying on forests for their livelihoods.
However, the threats to these ecosystems are growing. Annually, around 127 million hectares of forest are impacted by wildfires, alongside additional harm from pests, diseases, and extreme weather. These challenges further expose forests to vulnerabilities, compounded by agricultural expansion, climate change, pollution, and the extraction of fossil fuels and other natural resources.
The report outlines a concerning disparity between the demand for forest resources and sustainable supply, indicating a structural imbalance that jeopardizes ecological integrity and the long-term sustainability of economies reliant on forest resources.
It suggests that taking action to restore forests and other degraded ecosystems would provide benefits for communities, enhance food security, and boost the economy, estimating that restoring 1 billion hectares could yield $1.8 trillion in annual benefits.
Qu Dongyu, the FAO’s Director-General, stated that the findings of the report underscore that restoring forests and landscapes is not just an environmental issue but also a strategic investment in resilient agricultural systems and rural development. He warned, “The opportunity for action is diminishing, and delayed or ineffective restoration efforts will lead to higher long-term costs, worsen inequalities, and risk confining landscapes to unsustainable paths. With the ongoing loss and degradation of forest ecosystems and the rising global demand for land-based products and services, there is an urgent need to enhance restoration efforts.”
