Over 100 global leaders pledge to end deforestation by 2030
The joint statement at the COP26 climate talks is backed by countries including Brazil, Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo - which collectively account for 85% of the world's forests.
By Jake Spring and Simon Jessop
GLASGOW, Nov 2 (Reuters) – More than 100 global leaders have pledged to halt and reverse deforestation and land degradation by the end of the decade, underpinned by $19 billion in public and private funds to invest in protecting and restoring forests.
The promise, made in a joint statement issued late on Monday at the COP26 climate talks https://www.reuters.com/business/cop in Glasgow, was backed by the leaders of countries including Brazil, Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which collectively account for 85% of the world’s forests.
The Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forest and Land Use will cover forests totaling more than 13 million square miles, according to a statement released by the UK prime minister’s office on behalf of the leaders.
“We will have a chance to end humanity’s long history as nature’s conqueror, and instead become its custodian,” said British leader Boris Johnson, calling it an unprecedented agreement.
U.S President Joe Biden said a new U.S. plan would “help the world deliver on our shared goal of halting natural forest loss” and restoring at least an additional 200 million hectares of forest and other ecosystems by 2030.
