FOREST DAY

WeTerra
Mar 21
2 min read

Updated: Mar 24

FOREST DAY

The International Day of Forests was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to highlight the vital role forests play in sustaining life on Earth. March 21, 2013, marked the first official celebration, reinforcing the global call to safeguard these vital ecosystems and acknowledge their essential role in maintaining a healthy planet.

Photograph: Jonne Roriz/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Main Causes of Deforestation

Animal Agriculture One of the leading drivers of deforestation worldwide, livestock farming requires vast amounts of land for grazing and feed crop cultivation—particularly soybeans, of which approximately 80% of global production is used for livestock feed. This large-scale land conversion is a major cause of forest loss. Additionally, the demand for soy-based biofuels and processed foods further accelerates deforestation.

Logging and Wood HarvestingIndustrial Logging: Large-scale legal and illegal logging operations contribute significantly to forest destruction, particularly in regions rich in timber resources. The rising demand for wood products—such as lumber, paper, and furniture—fuels unsustainable practices that deplete forests at alarming rates.
Urbanization and Infrastructure DevelopmentPopulation Growth: As the global population increases, so does the demand for land, leading to deforestation for housing, agriculture, and industry.Road Construction: Expanding infrastructure into remote areas, often to facilitate logging or mining, further exposes forests to destruction.
Mining and Industrial Development: Extracting minerals, oil, and other natural resources, along with the expansion of industrial facilities, results in widespread deforestation.

Recent Deforestation in the Amazon for COP30 Summit

In a controversial move, a four-lane highway is being constructed through protected areas of the Amazon rainforest to facilitate access to the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil. This development has led to the clearing of thousands of acres of pristine rainforest, drawing sharp criticism from environmentalists and local communities. The irony of deforestation for a climate summit has been widely highlighted, emphasizing the disconnect between environmental commitments and actions.

The ongoing deforestation driven by animal agriculture and infrastructure development poses significant threats to global environmental sustainability. Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts from governments, corporations, and consumers to adopt and promote sustainable practices that protect our remaining forest ecosystems.

How to Help Protect Forests

🌱 Plant a Tree: Take part in or organize, with forestry experts, tree-planting initiatives in your community. Reforestation efforts are a powerful way to combat climate change and restore ecosystems.

🌍 Support Forest Conservation: Donate to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to protecting and restoring forests. Support sustainable forestry practices that ensure long-term forest health.

📚 Educate Yourself & Others: Spread awareness about the importance of forests through social media, community events, or educational programs. Knowledge is a key tool in conservation.

🌱 Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Choose a plant-based diet, minimize paper consumption, support sustainably sourced products, and advocate for policies that protect forests.

🌲 Explore Forests Ethically: Whether hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying nature, engage with forests responsibly and develop a deeper appreciation for their conservation.