Source: Down to Earth

Context

• The UN report highlights that countries have not made sufficient progress toward halting deforestation by 2030, despite commitments made under the Forest Declaration Assessment 2023.
• The analysis reveals gaps in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) regarding forest protection, showing that the pledges made are inadequate to meet global deforestation goals.

Details

Key Points

• Deforestation Emissions:
  • Emissions from deforestation increased since the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration in 2021, with significant contributions from Latin America and the Caribbean, except for Brazil.
• NDC Targets:
  • Only 8 out of the 20 countries with the most tropical deforestation have set targets to reduce tree cover loss in their NDCs.
• Country Commitments:
  • Mexico aims for net zero deforestation by 2030, Bolivia targets an 80% reduction, and Côte d'Ivoire aims for a 70% reduction by 2030.
• Emission Figures:
  • An average of 5.6 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent was emitted from tropical deforestation annually between 2019 and 2023.
• Forest Carbon Prices:
  • The report recommends increasing forest carbon prices to $30-50 per tonne of CO2 emissions in the carbon market.
• Role of Indigenous Communities:
  • Participation of local and indigenous communities is crucial for effective forest protection.

About UNFCCC:

Global Climate Framework:

• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts.

Establishment:

• Adopted in 1992, it provides the foundation for global cooperation on climate action, facilitating negotiations and agreements among nations.

Key Functions:

• UNFCCC facilitates annual conferences (COPs) to review and advance climate goals, supports scientific research and data sharing, and oversees the implementation of international climate agreements.

Principles:

• Guided by principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, and the precautionary approach, UNFCCC seeks to achieve sustainable development while combating climate change.

Membership:

• It boasts nearly universal membership, with 197 parties (196 countries and the European Union) committed to addressing climate change.

About COP30:

Location and Significance:

• The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UNFCCC will be held in Brazil, representing a significant opportunity for global ambition and action on forest protection.

NDCs 3.0:

• Countries are urged to prepare their next round of NDCs, extending to 2035, with concrete, measurable targets for forests, to be submitted at COP30.

About Global Forest Watch:

Real-Time Forest Monitoring:

• Global Forest Watch (GFW) is an online platform that provides real-time data and tools for monitoring forests.
• It utilizes satellite technology, artificial intelligence and ground-level information to track deforestation, forest degradation, and land use changes globally.

Accessibility and Transparency:

• GFW offers open-access data to governments, researchers, NGOs, and the public. This transparency aids in promoting accountability and informed decision-making by providing up-to-date information on forest cover, loss, and gain.

Analytical Tools and Reports:

• The platform provides analytical tools to visualize forest changes, assess carbon emissions, and understand the impact of human activities on forests.
• GFW also publishes comprehensive reports and interactive maps that highlight trends and patterns in deforestation and forest management worldwide.

​Sources:

The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss the role of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in global climate change mitigation efforts. Evaluate the effectiveness of current NDCs in addressing deforestation and the challenges faced by countries in meeting their commitments.