The Amazon has lost nearly one-fifth of its forest in 50 years, but Woodwell Climate Research Center works with indigenous communities and farmers to protect and restore it. Their four-part program engages large agricultural producers, supports small farmers, and maps unprotected lands.
Questions this video answers
Tod Hynes
Nearly one fifth
Over the past 50 years
Four
25 years
Chapters
Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity. The Amazon is one of our planet's first lines of defense. These tropical forests absorb human carbon emissions, cool land surfaces, create rain and shelter a tenth of the world's known plant and animal species. Any viable solution to the global climate crisis depends on the Amazon. Yet this region faces immediate and pressing threats. Deforestation has eliminated nearly one fifth of these forests in past 50 years. Collective action had slowed the destruction for more than a decade. But a breakdown in governance is reversing that progress. Illegal cutting and burning has increased dramatically. At Woodwell Climate Research center, we are harnessing science and education to inform, support and drive policies that protect and restore these forests. We work with the Amazon Environmental Research Institute, or epom, our sister organization in Brazil. Together, we are advancing evidence based solutions in four key areas. First, we learn from and work with indigenous communities to develop tools and resources that aid in land management and bolster their rights to the land. Second, we develop strategies for large agricultural producers to conserve and restore forests while increasing their output. Third, we provide technical support to small farmers and identify opportunities to grow more food, cut down fewer trees and improve their quality of life. And fourth, we measure and map the risks of deforestation on lands that haven't been legally protected and share those insights with governments with the goal of having them be designated as protected areas. Our approach is backed by a 25 year track record of on the ground collaboration and success. And our comprehensive education programs are training the next generation of leaders in tropical forest science and conservation. With a broad network of partner organizations, we are using science to help end the devastating impacts of deforestation while achieving greater food security and supporting local communities. We are on the front lines combating the threats posed by global climate change. We need your support to invest in our bold and ambitious plans to save the Amazon. The Amazon is crucial to the future of our world. Join us today to protect our tomorrow.
