An open letter from environmental activists calling for mass reforestation and restoring ecosystems was published by The Guardian in April 2019. This call to action can have a huge impact in the fight against climate change.
Drawdown.org outlines how land-use changes can reduce CO2 by 149.6 gigatons, could have a $131.1 billion net implementation cost and result in $1.20 trillion net operational savings. Here are a few quotes from the letter.
Natural climate solutions
We are writing to champion a thrilling but neglected approach to averting climate chaos while defending the living world: natural climate solutions. This means drawing carbon dioxide out of the air by protecting and restoring ecosystems.
– The letter
The letter was signed by 23 activists and scientists including teen climate activist Greta Thunberg, forest restoration scientist Charlotte Wheeler, and campaigner Bill McKibben.
Defend nature
Defending the living world and defending the climate are, in many cases, one and the same. This potential has so far been largely overlooked.
– The letter
A call for governments to protect nature
We call on governments to support natural climate solutions with an urgent programme of research, funding and political commitment.
– The letter
Not only is restoring and preserving nature an effective way to combat climate change, but it could also be great for outdoor enthusiasts and recreation companies. The outdoor recreation industry was 2.2 percent ($412 billion) of GDP in 2016 according to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
Read the full letter on The Guardian.