A Rare Piece Of Good News From The Front Lines Of Climate Change

[Ryan Fitzomething]

From yesterday's New Yorl Times:

LA VIRGEN, Costa Rica — Over just a few decades in the mid-20th century, this small country chopped down a majority of its ancient forests. But after a huge conservation push and a wave of forest regrowth, trees now blanket more than half of Costa Rica.

Far to the south, the Amazon forest was once being quickly cleared to make way for farming, but Brazil has slowed the loss so much that it has done more than any other country to limit the emissions leading to global warming.

And on the other side of the world, in Indonesia, bold new promises have been made in the past few months to halt the rampant cutting of that country’s forests, backed by business interests with the clout to make it happen.

In the battle to limit the risks of climate change, it has been clear for decades that focusing on the world’s immense tropical forests — saving the ones that are left, and perhaps letting new ones grow — is the single most promising near-term strategy.

Link

Gee, I hope this post isn't too controversial!

[Control-Z]

1. You could post it at that other site,

you know the one I'm talking about. I'm sure you'll get lots of arguments. None will make a lick of sense but it might be fun!

Thank you for this "good news" post.

[Ryan Fitzomething]

2. You're More Than Welcome

Have a good time, whatever your particula time is called!

[Control-Z]

8. Who? Me?

That's not happening. I fear those people. But I know some like to play with them. I gave it a serious try over there. Now I just stay away.

[Ryan Fitzomething]

9. As Is Your Right!

(Notice I didn't say "God-Given.)

[bananas]

3. I was just about to post it.

Merry Christmas!

[MH1]

4. Forests are one of the best carbon sinks

if I understand correctly.

By "best" that would include their effectiveness as carbon sinks as well as ancillary benefits. (such as providing habitat and presumably slowing the loss of biodiversity, although oceans and other types of habitats are very important parts of that equation).

[roguevalley]

5. god bless those countries.

I feel trees so much. I grew up in the big trees of southern Oregon and when you go among them you can feel them. A guy cleared a grove next door to where I work and I felt their agony. I really felt it. I am glad you posted this. You made my day completely.

[Hekate]

6. Why on earth would this good news be "LOL controversial" here at DU?

I'm really glad to read about these successes, as every single bit helps all of us.

[calimary]

7. Very nice to read. Most welcome news!

We need our trees! They're our lungs!