Tropical forests are the major buffer against climate change

Oct 24, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

Tropical forests are the major buffer against climate change, so burning them has a double impact on global heating. The only way to reduce climate warming will be to reverse the loss of natural habitat and reduce burning of fossil fuels. Technological solutions are being developed to scrub the atmosphere of greenhouse gases and replace fossil fuels; they are unlikely to achieve what is needed in the short time available. Their implementation will prove futile if tropical forests and savannas continue to be destroyed.
Protection of tropical habitats and their biodiversity requires international funds leveraged as taxation from the subsidised profits of energy organisations responsible for producing the fossil fuels that create this pollution.
Viable legal mechanisms need to ensure that the funds are exclusively spent in protecting and restoring forests, their biodiversity, and the native people living there. This process will only attain the support of the energy producers and the children marching in the streets if the funds maximise the conservation of forests in ways that minimise government abuse and other forms of corruption.
The recent speeches at the United Nations were drowned out by the more eloquent and vociferous voices of tomorrow protesting on the streets outside. The initiative outlined here would provide an important first step in reversing the cascade of environmental sins that yesterday’s fathers have heaped upon their children’s futures.

Yours,
Rooplall Dudhnath

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